A Structural Account Of Mathematics
by Charles S. Chihara /
2004 / English / PDF
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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.
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.