[Linkpost] “Why Reality Has A Well-Known Math Bias” by Linch
I've written up a post offering my take on the "unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics." My core argument is that we can potentially resolve Wigner's puzzle by applying an anthropic filter, but one focused on the evolvability of mathematical minds rather than just life or consciousness.
The thesis is that for a mind to evolve from basic pattern recognition to abstract reasoning, it needs to exist in a universe where patterns are layered, consistent, and compounding. In other words, a "mathematically simple" universe. In chaotic or non-mathematical universes, the evolutionary gradient towards higher intelligence would be flat or negative.
Therefore, any being capable of asking "why is math so effective?" would most likely find itself in a universe where it is.
I try to differentiate this from past evolutionary/anthropic arguments and address objections (Boltzmann brains, simulation, etc.). I'm particularly interested in critiques of the core "evolutionary [...]
---
First published:
July 21st, 2025
Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/CJKrmxqe6jdh2Db9R/why-reality-has-a-well-known-math-bias
Linkpost URL:
https://linch.substack.com/p/why-reality-has-a-well-known-math
---
Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.
---
Images from the article:
Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.
Senaste avsnitt
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.