Quote Originally Posted by MadMojoMonkey View Post
This is another assertion which makes me think myself in circles.

Math is cool and beautiful and fun whether or not it has anything to do with reality. Just like Tetris. or Chess, etc.

Sure, the widespread knowledge of mathematics wouldn't be a thing if not for mathematics being neatly present in nearly all profitable endeavors (or how would you even know if it was profitable? U C wat I did, huh?). However, it would still be a thing. 'Cause it's super fun to try to poke holes in it only to discover it had you on a scavenger hunt all along. It's super fun to find an actual hole to poke in it, only to realize that it's only a hole because of this one assumption, and when that assumption is lost, this whole other world opens up.

Math is inviting, stimulating and rewarding. Even if the profitability was removed, people would still play this game.
Given this, do you think it is the case that mathematics models reality to a degree and thus it is appropriate to think of mathematics as a real thing -- even if abstract or metaphysical -- regarding reality?