An introduction to the philosophy of mathematics / by Mark Colyvan.

By:

Colyvan, Mark

Material type: Text

TextSeries: Cambridge introductions to philosophyPublisher: Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2012Description: ix, 188 pages ; 26 cmISBN:

9780521533416 :

Subject(s):

LOC classification:

QA8.4 .C654 2012

Contents:

Mathematics and its philosophy -- The limits of mathematics -- Plato's heaven -- Fiction, metaphor, and partial truths --Mathematical explanation -- The applicability of mathematics -- Who's afraid of inconsistent mathematics? -- A rose by any other name -- Epilogue: desert island theorems.

Summary: "This introduction to the philosophy of mathematics focuses on contemporary debates in an important and central area of philosophy. The reader is taken on a fascinating and entertaining journey through some intriguing mathematical and philosophical territory, including such topics as the realism/anti-realism debate in mathematics, mathematical explanation, the limits of mathematics, the significance of mathematical notation, inconsistent mathematics and the applications of mathematics. Each chapter has a number of discussion questions and recommended further reading from both the contemporary literature and older sources. Very little mathematical background is assumed and all of the mathematics encountered is clearly introduced and explained using a wide variety of examples. The book is suitable for an undergraduate course in philosophy of mathematics and, more widely, for anyone interested in philosophy and mathematics"-- Provided by publisher.

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Holdings
Item type	Current library	Home library	Call number	Copy number	Status	Date due	Barcode
Books	Chinhoyi University of Technology Libraries	Chinhoyi University of Technology Libraries	QA 8.4 COL (Browse shelf(Opens below))	c.036146	Available		BK00462213

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Includes bibliographical references and index.

"This introduction to the philosophy of mathematics focuses on contemporary debates in an important and central area of philosophy. The reader is taken on a fascinating and entertaining journey through some intriguing mathematical and philosophical territory, including such topics as the realism/anti-realism debate in mathematics, mathematical explanation, the limits of mathematics, the significance of mathematical notation, inconsistent mathematics and the applications of mathematics. Each chapter has a number of discussion questions and recommended further reading from both the contemporary literature and older sources. Very little mathematical background is assumed and all of the mathematics encountered is clearly introduced and explained using a wide variety of examples. The book is suitable for an undergraduate course in philosophy of mathematics and, more widely, for anyone interested in philosophy and mathematics"-- Provided by publisher.

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