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Plato was not a mathematical Platonist / Elaine Landry.
- Format:
- Book
- Author/Creator:
- Landry, Elaine M., author.
- Series:
- Cambridge elements. Elements in the philosophy of mathematics.
- Cambridge elements. Elements in the philosophy of mathematics
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Plato.
- Mathematics--Philosophy.
- Mathematics.
- Physical Description:
- 1 online resource (48 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).
- Edition:
- First edition.
- Place of Publication:
- Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2023.
- Summary:
- This text shows that Plato keeps a clear distinction between mathematical and metaphysical realism and the knife he uses to slice the difference is method. The philosopher's dialectical method requires that we tether the truth of hypotheses to existing metaphysical objects. The mathematician's hypothetical method, by contrast, takes hypotheses as if they were first principles, so no metaphysical account of their truth is needed. Thus, we come to Plato's methodological as - if realism: in mathematics, we treat our hypotheses as if they were first principles, and, consequently, our objects as if they existed, and we do this for the purpose of solving problems. Taking the road suggested by Plato's 'Republic', this book shows that methodological commitments to mathematical objects are made in light of mathematical practice; foundational considerations; and, mathematical applicability.
- Contents:
- 1. Introduction; 2. The interprative lay of the land; 3. The divided line; 4. Book 7; 5. The good in mathematics; 6. Mathematics versus metaphysics; References.
- Notes:
- Also issued in print: 2023.
- "An online version of this work is published at doi.org/10.1017/9781009313797 under a Creative Commons Open Access license CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 which permits re-use, distribution and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial purposes providing appropriate credit to the original work is given"--Title page verso.
- Includes bibliographical references.
- Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (viewed on January 25, 2023).
- ISBN:
- 9781009313773
- 1009313770
- 9781009313803
- 1009313800
- 9781009313797
- 1009313797
- OCLC:
- 1367358524
- Access Restriction:
- Open Access. Unrestricted online access
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