Finding 'God' Within Mathematics

[Nonexistent_One]

(No, this is not a post about a hallucination I had that caused me to convert while doing math homework) Last night, I had a long conversation with a friend, emanating from the subject of math outwards, eventually touching on religion (among other things). We were communicating with the intention of comparing Algebra answers for that night's homework, and we fell on question 1d. The question was:

{0} = Ø True or False.

Now, in order to understand my ideas, we need to understand what '{0}' and 'Ø' are. '{' and '}' = brackets used to denote a 'solution set,' or a series of numbers (i.e. {1, 3, 5, 7, 11} or {3, 5, 8, 24}). A solution set may be given to you along with an equation, and you will have to find the answer within the set of numbers. 'Ø' = the 'Null set,' or a set that contains no numbers and is a subset of every solution set. In other words, 'Ø' is a part of every solution set, even though it does not appear within it. It is implied. The null set, when written out, would look like this: { }.

I reasoned that, since the number 0 represents the notion of nothingness, and Ø also represents nothingness, that the two were alike in function. However, Mathematics, specifically Algebra, has told me differently. '0' is a number, and 'Ø' is a 'symbol.' 'Ø' stands for a notion or concept--that there are no numbers within x subset--opposed to '0' referring to a quantitative figure. The difference is in the perception of the characters. So:

{0} = Ø False.

{0} ≠ Ø

We later came upon an equation, problem 5b, and we were stumped once again. There was a given solution set with the problem, and we were instructed to choose the answers within the solution set that complete the 'open sentence' (A.K.A. equation). This was the equation:

5a + 3 = 8 {2, -2, 0, 4}

(This is not an exact copy of the problem, but it will still demonstrate my point) None of the numbers within the solution set satisfy the open sentence. Not even 0, because (5 * 0) + 3 = 8 would yield 3 = 8, which is false. Ah, but there is still one last option. Remember, Ø is within every set, whether written or not. If we substitute 'a' for nothing at all, we get 5 + 3 = 8, which yields 8 = 8. It's a miracle! Ø does not give a true answer, and yet it satisfies Algebra none-the-less.

Now, how does all of this relate to religion, you wonder? I have concluded that Ø is the default answer in Algebra, when no other answers match up. The solution is to simply remove the variable, thus resulting in the identity property (a = a). I believe that this notion of a default answer relates to the human psyche. Take the open sentence to be any profound question that one may ever reflect upon (i.e. what is the meaning of life?). Take the solution set to represent any possible answers that one can formulate, either from observation, experimentation, or even upheld beliefs. When the answers within the solution set cannot adequately satisfy the question, there is always one more option that can be substituted in, mainly the answer-that-is-no-answer-at-all. That answer that doesn't give an answer is 'God.' This answer gives no answer, and yet it satisfies Humanity. It is the answer to all unanswered questions, and yet, it has no basis. But we are satisfied, because we don't have to worry about it anymore. 'God' is just like 'Ø'--they are both concepts that can be applied anywhere that math or science are not advanced enough to provide straight answers. 'God' is the default answer for the unknown.

We talked briefly about ancient cultures in American History today, and we happened to hit on religion. It was explained that their religions were 'made up' to explain what they didn't have the scientific knowledge to explain. They had to revert to the default answer because their solution set was limited to their experience. Mind you, this was explained without any thought as to the parallels of our modern religions. (keep in mind that I am a student at a Catholic high school) We still rely on the default answer to explain those things that aren't within out reach yet. And what gets me the most is that we push aside those things that have been answered by science--questions that were formerly answered with an Ø--and we explain that we just 'didn't know' before. What do you think will continue to happen throughout the future? What has happened, starting from the beginning of history, is that we continue to replace that default answer with the answer that actually does fit; the one that was hidden within that solution set from the very beginning. In other words, we use this:

5(Ø) + 3 = 8 {2, -2, 0, 4}

Until we find this:

5(1) + 3 = 8 {2, -2, 0, 4, (1)}

Just wondering your opinion on my analogy.

~NEO