This is a link post.

I've written up a post offering my take on the "unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics." My core argument is that we can potentially resolve Wigner's puzzle by applying an anthropic filter, but one focused on the evolvability of mathematical minds rather than just life or consciousness.

The thesis is that for a mind to evolve from basic pattern recognition to abstract reasoning, it needs to exist in a universe where patterns are layered, consistent, and compounding. In other words, a "mathematically simple" universe. In chaotic or non-mathematical universes, the evolutionary gradient towards higher intelligence would be flat or negative.

Therefore, any being capable of asking "why is math so effective?" would most likely find itself in a universe where it is.

I try to differentiate this from past evolutionary/anthropic arguments and address objections (Boltzmann brains, simulation, etc.). I'm particularly interested in critiques of the core "evolutionary [...]

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First published:
July 21st, 2025

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/CJKrmxqe6jdh2Db9R/why-reality-has-a-well-known-math-bias

Linkpost URL:
https://linch.substack.com/p/why-reality-has-a-well-known-math

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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Images from the article:

Cartoon lobster writing with feather quill by waterfall and flowers.

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[Linkpost] “Why Reality Has A Well-Known Math Bias” by Linch

LessWrong (30+ Karma)