Ontology and the Foundations of Mathematics
Talking Past Each Other
Published on 26. January 2022
978-1-108-58205-6 (ISBN)
Description
This Element looks at the problem of inter-translation between mathematical realism and anti-realism and argues that so far as realism is inter-translatable with anti-realism, there is a burden on the realist to show how her posited reality differs from that of the anti-realist. It also argues that an effective defence of just such a difference needs a commitment to the independence of mathematical reality, which in turn involves a commitment to the ontological access problem - the problem of how knowable mathematical truths are identifiable with a reality independent of us as knowers. Specifically, if the only access problem acknowledged is the epistemological problem - i.e. the problem of how we come to know mathematical truths - then nothing is gained by the realist notion of an independent reality and in effect, nothing distinguishes realism from anti-realism in mathematics.
Reviews / Votes
'Ontology and the Foundations of Mathematics is extremely thought-provoking and will surely spur additional reading of the Element series. ... Rush's tenacity in pressing [ontological access problem] questions about the relevance of objecthood and independence is unique, unsettling, unrelenting, and effective.' Nicholas Danne, MetascienceMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
File size
0,92 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-108-58205-6 (9781108582056)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
02/2022
Cambridge University Press
€26.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Content
1. What are we Talking about?; 2. Inter-translatability; 3. Two Access Problems; 4. Independence; 5. Justification.
