The math follows from the basic assumptions made about nature. Assume translational, rotational and time invariance, add the finite speed of light and some less obvious assumptions and all of classical physics (for those non-phycisists: this includes special and general relativity) follows.
Assume charged fundamental particles and EM follows. Assume quantized fundamental units and quantum mechanics follows. Lots of relevant physics can be described and shown with hardly any mathematics at all.
The idea that nature is mathematical in essence is a notion that primarily physicists entertain. They mistake intelligence for knowledge and philosophers, that have actual knowledge of the philosophical problems involved, know better. The idea that nature is mathematical in essence, and that we have discovered this fundamental essence, is both hubris and usually utterly devoid of any philosophical sophistication.
Assume charged fundamental particles and EM follows. Assume quantized fundamental units and quantum mechanics follows. Lots of relevant physics can be described and shown with hardly any mathematics at all.
The idea that nature is mathematical in essence is a notion that primarily physicists entertain. They mistake intelligence for knowledge and philosophers, that have actual knowledge of the philosophical problems involved, know better. The idea that nature is mathematical in essence, and that we have discovered this fundamental essence, is both hubris and usually utterly devoid of any philosophical sophistication.