Question

Can abstract and timeless entities, like natural numbers and sets, have properties that vary with time? I am inclined to think they do. For example, the largest known prime number keeps changing with time. However, it seems a little weird to me for timeless entities to have properties that vary with time. So, what is the truth of the matter?

Answer 1

Abstract and timeless entities, like natural numbers and sets, do not change their inherent properties with time. Our understanding and knowledge about these entities can change as we discover new information or make new observations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Abstract and timeless entities, like natural numbers and sets, do not change their inherent properties with time. However, our understanding and knowledge about these entities can change as we discover new information or make new observations.

For example, the largest known prime number is constantly being updated as researchers find larger primes through computational methods. This does not mean that the concept of a prime number itself changes, but rather our knowledge of the largest prime number changes.

It is important to distinguish between the abstract concept or definition of a mathematical object and our knowledge or discoveries about that object. The concept of a natural number or a set remains constant, but our understanding and knowledge of specific properties or examples of those entities can evolve over time.