Mathematics for the most part deals with quantities. In some, relatively speaking, more recent kinds of math, particular properties are ascribed to certain terms that comprise it. It is fully analogous to what physics does. We posit the existence of certain (for lack of a more apt noun) qualities, and then use math to express a quantitative relation to something else. Just look at any equation that is used by physicists. It states that whatever is on its left side is equal to an amount of another quality on its right side. No, it is not, despite what Randall claims, that ultimately everything is reducible to a number. The number 2 can equally apply to a particle’s spin, but also to 2 degrees Kelvin, and to the two people in front of you at the checkout counter. The number 2 does not mean anything by itself. It needs context at minimum, and more ordinarily needs to be defined in terms of what it refers to.
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