Physics and Mathematics in Descartes

Naturalisation of Mahtematics

Abstract

Mathematical truths are distinct from natural laws both epistemologically and ontologically. But this distinction does not make mathematics kinds of form or convention as logical positivistsdid. Mathematical truths have their own reality independent of physical substances, which is evident fact that Descartes takes Platonic stand on mathematics. So, the part of mathematics in physics is not the negative one such as data-regulating function, but the positive one which imposes the reality on nature. In that sense, mathematical truths come to have the power producing the reality. When I say "naturalisation of mathematics" I mean such an active and efficient side of mathematics.