Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics

Informationen zum Autor Mark Colyvan is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Sydney Centre for the Foundations of Science at the University of Sydney. He is the co-author (with Lev Ginzburg) of Ecological Orbits: How Planets Move and Populations Grow (2004) and author of The Indispensability of Mathematics (2001). Klappentext A fascinating journey through intriguing mathematical and philosophical territory! and a lively introduction to this contemporary topic. Features a wide variety of examples from both elementary and advanced mathematics. "...Colyvan's introduction eschews a historically based, comprehensive survey. His final chapter contains a brief description of 20 selected mathematical theorems of philosophical interest. This skillfully written work, including liberal use of analogy and extensive exercises and recommended readings, is a stimulating introduction to some of the most discussed topics in contemporary philosophy of mathematics. Accessible to undergraduates with a background in mathematical logic... Highly recommended..." --L.C. Archie, Lander University, CHOICE Zusammenfassung Topics covered include the realism/anti-realism debate in mathematics! the limits of mathematics! the significance of mathematical notation! inconsistent mathematics and the applications of mathematics. Intended as a primary text for an introductory undergraduate course in the philosophy of mathematics. Inhaltsverzeichnis 1. Mathematics and its philosophy; 2. The limits of mathematics; 3. Plato's heaven; 4. Fiction, metaphor, and partial truths; 5. Mathematical explanation; 6. The applicability of mathematics; 7. Who's afraid of inconsistent mathematics?; 8. A rose by any other name; 9. Epilogue: desert island theorems.

Product details

• Authors: Mark Colyvan, Mark (University of Sydney) Colyvan, Colyvan Mark, David Corfield, Madeline Muntersbjorn
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 14.06.2012
• EAN: 9780521533416
• ISBN: 978-0-521-53341-6
• No. of pages: 200
• Series: Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy; Cambridge Introductions to Phi; Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Mathematics > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Philosophy, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy: logic