Introducing philosophy of mathematics / Michèle Friend.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Friend, Michèle, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematics--Philosophy.

Mathematics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xi, 204 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Durham : Acumen Publishing, 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this introduction to the philosophy of mathematics, Michéle Friend examines these and other ontological and epistemological problems raised by the content and practice of mathematics. Aimed at a readership with limited proficiency in mathematics but with some experience of formal logic it seeks to strike a balance between conceptual accessibility and correct representation of the issues. Friend examines the standard theories of mathematics – Platonism, realism, logicism, formalism, constructivism and structuralism – as well as some less standard theories such as psychologism, fictionalism and Meinongian philosophy of mathematics. In each case Friend explains what characterises the position and where the divisions between them lie, including some of the arguments in favour and against each. The book also explores particular questions that occupy present-day philosophers and mathematicians such as the problem of infinity, mathematical intuition and the relationship, if any, between the philosophy of mathematics and the practice of mathematics. Taking in the canonical ideas of Aristotle, Kant, Frege and Whitehead and Russell as well as the challenging and innovative work of recent philosophers like Benacerraf, Hellman, Maddy and Shapiro, Friend provides a balanced and accessible introduction suitable for upper-level undergraduate courses and the non-specialist.

Contents:

1. Infinity

2. Mathematical Platonism and realism

3. Logicism

4. Structuralism

5. Constructivism

6. A pot-pourri of philosophies of mathematics

App. Proof : ex falso quod libet.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 02 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on metadata supplied by the publisher and other sources.

ISBN:

1-317-49378-8

1-317-49379-6

1-315-71205-9

1-282-94327-8

9786612943270

1-84465-376-5

9781315712055

OCLC:

898104224