Philosophers of Mathematics

Philosophers Of Mathematics

The philosophy of mathematics is the branch of philosophy that studies the philosophical assumptions, foundations, and implications of mathematics. The aim of the philosophy of mathematics is to provide an account of the nature and methodology of mathematics and to understand the place of mathematics in people's lives. The logical and structural nature of mathematics itself makes this study both broad and unique among its philosophical counterparts.

The terms philosophy of mathematics and mathematical philosophy are frequently used as synonyms. The latter, however, may be used to refer to several other areas of study. One refers to a project of formalizing a philosophical subject matter, say, aesthetics, ethics, logic, metaphysics, or theology, in a purportedly more exact and rigorous form, as for example the labors of scholastic theologians, or the systematic aims of Leibniz and Spinoza. Another refers to the working philosophy of an individual practitioner or a like-minded community of practicing mathematicians. Additionally, some understand the term "mathematical philosophy" to be an allusion to the approach taken by Bertrand Russell in his books The Principles of Mathematics and Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy.

Read more about Philosophers Of Mathematics:  Recurrent Themes, History, Aesthetics, See Also

Famous quotes containing the words philosophers of, philosophers and/or mathematics:

    It is a mania shared by philosophers of all ages to deny what exists and to explain what does not exist.
    Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)

    The truth has never been of any real value to any human being—it is a symbol for mathematicians and philosophers to pursue. In human relations kindness and lies are worth a thousand truths.
    Graham Greene (1904–1991)

    I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.
    John Adams (1735–1826)