Mathematics as information compression via the matching and unification of patterns

DOI10.1155/2019/6427493zbMATH Open1432.00027arXiv1808.07004OpenAlexW2993762697MaRDI QIDQ2281995FDOQ2281995

Authors: J. Gerard Wolff 

Publication date: 6 January 2020

Published in: Complexity (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: This paper describes a novel perspective on the foundations of mathematics: how mathematics may be seen to be largely about 'information compression via the matching and unification of patterns' (ICMUP). ICMUP is itself a novel approach to information compression, couched in terms of non-mathematical primitives, as is necessary in any investigation of the foundations of mathematics. This new perspective on the foundations of mathematics has grown out of an extensive programme of research developing the "SP Theory of Intelligence" and its realisation in the "SP Computer Model", a system in which a generalised version of ICMUP -- the powerful concept of SP-multiple-alignment -- plays a central role. These ideas may be seen to be part of a "Big Picture" comprising six areas of interest, with information compression as a unifying theme. The paper describes the close relation between mathematics and information compression, and describes examples showing how variants of ICMUP may be seen in widely-used structures and operations in mathematics. Examples are also given to show how the mathematics-related disciplines of logic and computing may be understood as ICMUP. There are many potential benefits and applications of these ideas.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1808.07004

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Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Information theory (general) (94A15) Philosophy of mathematics (00A30) General topics in artificial intelligence (68T01)

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Cited In (1)

• Information compression by multiple alignment, unification and search as a framework for human-like reasoning

Uses Software

• Simula 67

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