The universe is a mathematical structure (MUH)
Physical reality is not merely described by mathematics but is a mathematical structure; all consistent structures exist and physical existence is mathematical existence.
Evidence balance
Supporting
2- The Mathematical Universe Hypothesisw60
Max Tegmark · 2008 · Preprint
The MUH is the hypothesis this evidence states.
- The unreasonable effectiveness of mathematicsw45
Eugene Wigner · 1960 · Philosophical argument
The effectiveness of mathematics is the MUH's main motivation.
Opposing
1- The pessimistic meta-inductionw40
Larry Laudan · 1981 · Philosophical argument
The pessimistic meta-induction cautions against reifying current theory.
Assumptions
Physical existence equals mathematical existence
unjustified
All consistent mathematical structures are equally real
unjustified
Open questions within this hypothesis
- How is a probability measure defined over structures?
- Is the hypothesis falsifiable at all?
Falsification criteria
A demonstrated physical fact with no possible mathematical representation, or a principled reason the identification fails, would falsify it.