The Philosophy of Mathematics: An Introductory Essay (Hutchinson University Library. Philosophy.) [Paperback]

Stephan Korner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hutchinson University Library. Philosophy. | Publication Date: March 1, 1986

Lucid and comprehensive essay surveys the views of Plato, Aristotle, Leibniz and Kant on the nature of mathematics; examines the propositions and theories of the schools these philosophers inspired; and concludes with a discussion on the relation between mathematical theories, empirical data and philosophical presuppositions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (March 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486250482
• ISBN-13: 978-0486250489
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,405,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, November 29, 2000

By 

Pete Gonzalez (Richmond, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Philosophy of Mathematics: An Introductory Essay (Hutchinson University Library. Philosophy.) (Paperback)

When you first pick it up, this book looks really boring. Lend me your ear, and I'll explain why it's not:

Mathematical systems are formalized, unambiguous, mechanical processes for manipulating symbols on a piece of paper. These systems are useful to the extent that they are models of things in the real world, or of thought processes in our minds. Specifically, mathematical systems make great models because, unlike words or thoughts or pictures, they are formalized and unambiguous.

People who use mathematics often begin to believe that the symbolic models are "real". That is, they start to think that mathematical principles are undeniable truths about things in the real world, or at least about thought processes in our minds. (For example, before Einstein many people believed that Euclidean geometry accurately modeled triangles and squares in physical space. Before Gödel, many people believed that set theory could be used to prove any logical statement which is true.)

The philosophy of mathematics is an investigation of the correspondence between symbols on paper and the realities observed by thinking people. That is, it questions the basic assumptions people use when they interpret mathematical models. It also addresses the ironic circularity introduced when the very description of a mathematical model assumes the concepts of "truth" that it defines.

The philosophy of mathematics has a long and interesting history, most of which has been forgotten by today's mathematicians and flimsy philosophy departments. This book is a great introduction to this history, written at a level that doesn't require too much previous knowledge. It does require a bit of patience for people who have not yet mastered the vocabulary of classical philosophers, or the concepts of higher mathematics.

After some diligence, I found the essay to be quite fascinating. Although the author's diction could be simplified, his ideas are well organized and thoughtfully presented.