Biology, Evolution and Mathematics

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the question of what mathematical premises would be dependent on the biological and physical evolution of a given species, assuming of course that we knew other intelligent species had evolved. The writer discusses that some critics suppose that language and mathematics by extension are dependent upon the physical parameters set out by the body. The writer explains: ten fingers and hence a decimated numerical system. This essay probes that assumption.

From the Paper:

"There is almost certainly a connection between biology and the ability to conceptualize. The basic logical processes that we, as humans, often take for granted are in reality quite dependent upon our own physical evolution. How likely is it that we would have developed a base ten numerical system if we didn't just happen to have ten fingers? It would be perfectly plausible to have a base six system or base twelve, for example. But the question becomes how much of mathematics is a product of biological evolution and how much of it exists unto itself."

More papers on Biology, Evolution and Mathematics:

• Essay # 84534 : "Biological Evolution and Mathematical Development"
• Argumentative Essay # 27137 : "Human Origins and Evolution: Evidence from the Y-Chromosome?"
• Comparison Essay # 83629 : "Language and Mathematics"

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