A Structural Account of Mathematics

ISBN-13: 9780199267538 / Angielski / Twarda / 2004 / 400 str.

Charles S. Chihara

Opis

Charles Chihara's new book develops a structural view of the nature of mathematics, and uses it to explain a number of striking features of mathematics that have puzzled philosophers for centuries. In particular, this perspective allows Chihara to show that, in order to understand how mathematical systems are applied in science, it is not necessary to assume that its theorems either presuppose mathematical objects or are even true. He also advances several new ways of undermining the Platonic view of mathematics. Anyone working in the field will find much to reward and stimulate them here.

Recenzje

This terrific contribution will promote discussion for and against its views. It has unusually full discussion of what makes "philosophy" of mathematics. It engages in extensive debates with other philosophers. And it has a wide range of examples from pure and applied mathematics.