A Structural Account of Mathematics
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Product details:
- Publisher OUP Oxford
- Date of Publication 17 May 2007
- ISBN 9780199228072
- Binding Paperback
- No. of pages396 pages
- Size 233x155x21 mm
- Weight 572 g
- Language English 0
Categories
Short description:
Charles Chihara presents 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.
MoreLong description:
Charles Chihara's new book develops and defends 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. The view is used to show that, in order to understand how mathematical systems are applied in science and everyday life, it is not necessary to assume that its theorems either presuppose mathematical objects or are even true.
Chihara builds upon his previous work, in which he presented a new system of mathematics, the constructibility theory, which did not make reference to, or presuppose, mathematical objects. Now he develops the project further by analysing mathematical systems currently used by scientists to show how such systems are compatible with this nominalistic outlook. He advances several new ways of undermining the heavily discussed indispensability argument for the existence of mathematical objects made famous by W. V. Quine and Hilary Putnam. And Chihara presents a rationale for the nominalistic outlook that is quite different from those generally put forward, which he maintains have led to serious misunderstandings.
A Structural Account of Mathematics will be required reading for anyone working in this field.
Review from previous edition 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.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Five Puzzles in Search of an Explanation
Geometry and Mathematical Existence
The Van Inwagen Puzzle
Structuralism
Platonism
Minimal Anti-Nominalism
The Constructibility Theory
Constructible Structures
Applications
If-Thenism
Field's Account of Mathematics and Metalogic
Appendix A: Some Doubts about Hellman's Views
Appendix B: Balaguer's Fictionalism
