Abstract

In this paper, I will do preparatory work for a generalized account of applicability, that is, for an account which works for math-to-physics, math-to-math, and physics-to-math application. I am going to present and discuss some examples of these three kinds of application, and I will confront them in order to see whether it is possible to find analogies among them and whether they can be ultimately considered as instantiations of a unique pattern. I will argue that these analogies can be exploited in order to get a better understanding of the applicability of mathematics to physics and of the complex relationship between physics and mathematics.