Essay Abstract
I argue here that a great deal can be explained about the tango between physics and mathematics just by comparing and contrasting the foundational issues in both. Issues captured by the Peano axioms in mathematics versus quantum theory in physics. Both these "foundations" are concerned with developing, in my view, a generic notion of the reference frame/initial condition and by extension describing the dynamics of its evolution/devolution. I claim precisely that while the Peano axioms represent this state as the "constant" (number bases) quantum theory represents it as the "wave function" (quantum of observables). Crucially, both foundations agree that this state is the threshold of events. Indeed both foundations insist that one thing a threshold is not is the event proper i.e. an observable. Strangely this picture is in line with Pythagoras' assertion that: all that exist is sound (think, "spins" or wave packets as signifying the natural numbers; observables) vis-à-vis the "fundamental"/number bases (if wave function) as signifying the observer proper. It is my conclusion that this collective picture can indeed go one notch up to become our theory of quantum gravity in that it supplies the basic testable postulate that: we being the observer in question our sensory threshold (mind) is then our proper quantum of observables/natural unit. Meaning, quantum gravity likely will be man's best instance ever of the indistinguishableness of mathematics and physics.
Author Bio
I hold a B.A. Honours in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I also hold the personal conviction that a question well put is to all minds a call to duty.