Universal Mathgod

Is pattern recognition a form of intelligence? In short yes, the first pages of Fluid Concepts, by Douglas Hofstadter details his attempts at creating a pattern seeking, intelligent, computer program. Furthermore is there a link between all patterns in the universe? I found it refreshing and insightful to have a little background information about Hofstadter’s prior studies and academic exploits detailed in the prologue. It’s always good to have a description of how someone thinks or learned to think, due to their academic experience and interaction with like minds. Hofstadter begins his investigation into intelligence by developing a program that finds a pattern in a given set of numbers. The pattern he starts with is triangular numbers and squares. His description of triangular numbers got me thinking about one of my favorite movies ‘Pi’ and the golden ratio. Something about pattern recognition in numbers makes me reflect on the idea that there exists a master mathematical formula, most likely very complex for today’s standards, which links all things in the universe. I like to think of it as a grand all encompassing unified theory. A mathematical formula that can predict any number sequence, thought pattern, or physical action from the combination of chemicals, interaction of life forms, or any such objects in the universe. Wishful thinking on my part I know, but we humans, at least most I have talked to, find comfort in the belief that there is an explanation for everything, and that everything is connected. Hofstadter’s concept and mention of what he calls ‘Mathgod’ could be viewed as such a unified concept or governing rule that gives relation and order to all mathematical models. My thought is that there exists a universal ‘Mathgod’ which encircles all aspects of the universe, not just math. I was invigorated to see Hofstadter’s mention of perceptual regrouping, or the ability to view, categorize, and work with patterns in multiple ways dependent on how one perceives them. I strongly agree with him and believe this is a vital tool in creative and cognitive thinking. The adaptive principle behind evolution could also be related to this ability of perceptual regrouping. This reading certainly raised a lot of questions in my mind, such as; does the ability and variety of perceptual regrouping affect intelligence? Would humans be as intelligent as we are today if we had a limited imagination and severe constrictions on our abstract thoughts? Would the confinement or lack of our past experiences, which directly affect perception, cause us to think drastically different then our present ways? This line of questioning reintroduces a little chaos and an uncontrollable aspect into my thoughts about an all encompassing universal ‘Mathgod’.