Naturalism in mathematics / Penelope Maddy.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Maddy, Penelope, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematics--Philosophy.

Mathematics.

Naturalism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (viii, 254 pages)

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Clarendon Press ; New York : Oxford University Press, 1997.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Set theory has rendered the notion of self-evident truths to be obsolete in mathematics. Penelope Maddy examines this dilemma using the minimum of technical jargon. Set theory is explained in a manner that can be understood by non-mathematicians.

Contents:

Part I, The problem. The origins of set theory ; Set theory as a foundation ; The standard axioms ; Independent questions ; New axiom candidates

Part II, Realism. Gödelian realism ; Quinean realism ; Set theoretic realism ; A realist's case against ; Hints of trouble ; Indispensability and scientific practice ; Indispensability and mathematical practice

Part III, Naturalism. Wittgensteinian anti-philosophy ; A second Gödelian theme ; Quinean naturalism ; Mathematical naturalism ; The problem revisited ; A naturalist's case against.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-281-98999-1