[hliyan]

I've come to the conclusion that all numbers in the real world are integers and real numbers are a human construct necessary evey time we select a unit that is too large. There is evidence (e.g. quantization) that at the most fundamental level, reality is discrete. Math is layer upon layer of abstract toolsets to operate on integers. In that sense for me, it is very real, but invented.

[lodovic]

The fact that reality can be described by calculus would suggest that reality is continuous and not discrete. But I haven't seen any real evidence of either claim.

[russdill]

The more interesting question is are the numbers in the universe the subset of real numbers that are computable.

[adastra22]

Why is that interesting?

[russdill]

If they are non computable, it would indicate that the universe cannot be modeled by mathematics.

[j16sdiz]

Modellability or Computability?

There are incomputable models.

[mayd]

Pi is no more of a human construct than any of the integers. Pi is inherent in Nature as are the integers, but more mysterious. If you accept the existence of the integers then infinity exists and therefore pi exists too; it does not need to be constructed.

[adastra22]

There are no circular objects in fundamental physics.

Pi shows up in many physics equations, but that’s entirely due to our choice of units.

[eigenket]

There may be no circular objects, but thats mostly because the universe isn't two-dimensional. There certainly appear to be spherical objects (to varying degrees of approximation), and pi pops out quite naturally when you ask questions about the geometry of such fundamental objects as a black-hole.