Arithmetic, the fundamental truth that 2 + 2 = 4, is universally known and used by humans across cultures. However, the reason why Arithmetic holds true is still a mystery. Recently, researchers have delved into the biological and metaphysical roots of arithmetic to shed light on its universal truth.

Throughout history, various civilizations have developed their own symbolic systems for numbers. Despite the diversity in symbols, all civilizations have based their numerical systems on addition and multiplication. This raises the question: why do humans keep inventing the same arithmetic? Is arithmetic a universal truth waiting to be discovered?

To explore this mystery, researchers approached it from a biological perspective. Many non-human species, including insects like bees, display abilities that require calculations similar to algebraic computations. Bees, for example, navigate to find nectar and can calculate the most direct route back to their hive. These non-symbolic calculations may be precursors to addition and multiplication, developed through natural selection for optimal navigation.

To understand arithmetic on a more abstract level, researchers need to step outside their habitual concrete understanding. Arithmetic consists of a set of elements and operations, represented by numbers and addition/multiplication, respectively. By employing mathematical methods, researchers identified four qualitative conditions – monotonicity, convexity, continuity, and isomorphism – that are sufficient to uniquely define arithmetic in the universe of possibilities.

Monotonicity relates to order preservation, convexity to concepts of betweenness, continuity to smoothness in space and time, and isomorphism to sameness and analogy. These conditions are principles of perceptual organization that shape how humans and other animals experience the world. Therefore, arithmetic is a consequence of these qualitative conditions.

Understanding the origins of arithmetic is crucial for comprehending its role in science and mathematics. By exploring the biological and metaphysical roots of arithmetic, researchers aim to uncover the nature and creativity of the human mind, as well as the remarkable correspondence between mathematics and physical reality.

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