Paul Ernest

Paul Ernest (born 1944) is a recent contributor to the social constructivist (see social constructivism) philosophy of mathematics. He illustrates this position in his discussion of the issue of whether mathematics is discovered or invented. His fullest exposition of the social constructivist position is given in the 1998 reference, although an earlier version is given in the 1991 reference.

Paul Ernest was born in New York City, New York in 1944 to parents John Ernest and Elna Ernest (née Adlerbert). However he has lived and worked in the UK since childhood, apart from two years of teaching at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica (1982-84). He is currently emeritus professor of the philosophy of mathematics education at Exeter University, UK. Originally a student of mathematics and philosophy up to PhD level he became interested in educational issues through teaching school mathematics in London during the 1970s. His main research interests concern fundamental questions about the nature of mathematics and how it relates to teaching, learning and society. He is currently working on a semiotic theory of mathematics and education. He is best known for his work on philosophical aspects of mathematics education and his contributions to developing a social constructivist philosophy of mathematics.