Mathematics (pure theory, that is) is the study of axiomatic systems. Which axiomatic system you’re studying depends upon your field of mathematics (geometry, topology, group theory, etc.) Since any mathematical system relies upon a foundation of axioms (given truths), it is possible to call it “exact” because you can rely entirely upon deductive logic and your axioms, and (generally) declare a theorem to be true; that is to say, at the end of a proof, you can declare Q.E.D. There is no ambiguity, if our axioms are true (and they must be, they are axioms), then the theorem must be true.

Generally speaking this is not the case in science, as we don’t have declarative axioms.

For a more detailed explanation:

http://padraic2112.wordpress.com/2007/09/28/mathematics-is-not-a-science/

Elliot ->

I’d disagree that theology is a good analogy for mathematics, because theologies assume there is a being outside the system dictating the formation of the system, and the field involves “discovering” the ramifications of the system. In this sense, theology is a process of discovery (oddly enough, like science). Mathematical systems do not have this characteristic – they are constructed systems, not discovered ones. Properly, Mathematics itself is closer to philosophy than it is to either science or theology. Theological systems don’t have to be consistent (generally aren’t, in fact) – you can have contradictory axioms in a theology leading to Mysteries. You can’t have Mysteries in math

I’m looking for link exchange for my blog.. Im writing a sci /tech blog .. anyone having similar blogs can message me at

http://ejediknight.blogspot.com

Cheers

Interesting idea, though. Plato thought that mathematical knowledge comes in the “flash of inspiration” you describe because our souls are really recollecting perfect objects with which they were familiar sometime before our birth.