Michèle Friend - Böcker

The idea of the present volume emerged in 2002 from a series of talks by Frank Stephan in 2002, and John Case in 2003, on developments of algorithmic learning theory. These talks took place in the Mathematics Department at the George Washington University. Following the talks, ValentinaHarizanovandMichèleFriendraised thepossibility ofanexchange of ideas concerning algorithmic learning theory. In particular, this was to be a mutually bene?cial exchange between philosophers, mathematicians and computer scientists. Harizanov and Friend sent out invitations for contributions and invited Norma Goethe to join the editing team. The Dilthey Fellowship of the George Washington University provided resources over the summer of 2003 to enable the editors and some of the contributors to meet in Oviedo (Spain) at the 12th International Congress of Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science. The editing work proceeded from there. The idea behind the volume is to rekindle interdisciplinary discussion. Algorithmic learning theory has been around for nearly half a century. The immediate beginnings can be traced back to E.M. Gold’s papers: “Limiting recursion” (1965) and “Language identi?cation in the limit” (1967). However, from a logical point of view, the deeper roots of the learni- theoretic analysis go back to Carnap’s work on inductive logic (1950, 1952).

What is mathematics about? Does the subject-matter of mathematics exist independently of the mind or are they mental constructions? How do we know mathematics? Is mathematical knowledge logical knowledge? And how is mathematics applied to the material world? In this introduction to the philosophy of mathematics, Michele Friend examines these and other ontological and epistemological problems raised by the content and practice of mathematics. Aimed at a readership with limited proficiency in mathematics but with some experience of formal logic it seeks to strike a balance between conceptual accessibility and correct representation of the issues. Friend examines the standard theories of mathematics - Platonism, realism, logicism, formalism, constructivism and structuralism - as well as some less standard theories such as psychologism, fictionalism and Meinongian philosophy of mathematics. In each case Friend explains what characterises the position and where the divisions between them lie, including some of the arguments in favour and against each. This book also explores particular questions that occupy present-day philosophers and mathematicians such as the problem of infinity, mathematical intuition and the relationship, if any, between the philosophy of mathematics and the practice of mathematics. Taking in the canonical ideas of Aristotle, Kant, Frege and Whitehead and Russell as well as the challenging and innovative work of recent philosophers like Benacerraf, Hellman, Maddy and Shapiro, Friend provides a balanced and accessible introduction suitable for upper-level undergraduate courses and the non-specialist.

What is mathematics about? Does the subject-matter of mathematics exist independently of the mind or are they mental constructions? How do we know mathematics? Is mathematical knowledge logical knowledge? And how is mathematics applied to the material world? In this introduction to the philosophy of mathematics, Michele Friend examines these and other ontological and epistemological problems raised by the content and practice of mathematics. Aimed at a readership with limited proficiency in mathematics but with some experience of formal logic it seeks to strike a balance between conceptual accessibility and correct representation of the issues. Friend examines the standard theories of mathematics - Platonism, realism, logicism, formalism, constructivism and structuralism - as well as some less standard theories such as psychologism, fictionalism and Meinongian philosophy of mathematics. In each case Friend explains what characterises the position and where the divisions between them lie, including some of the arguments in favour and against each. This book also explores particular questions that occupy present-day philosophers and mathematicians such as the problem of infinity, mathematical intuition and the relationship, if any, between the philosophy of mathematics and the practice of mathematics. Taking in the canonical ideas of Aristotle, Kant, Frege and Whitehead and Russell as well as the challenging and innovative work of recent philosophers like Benacerraf, Hellman, Maddy and Shapiro, Friend provides a balanced and accessible introduction suitable for upper-level undergraduate courses and the non-specialist.

The idea of the present volume emerged in 2002 from a series of talks by Frank Stephan in 2002, and John Case in 2003, on developments of algorithmic learning theory. These talks took place in the Mathematics Department at the George Washington University. Following the talks, ValentinaHarizanovandMichèleFriendraised thepossibility ofanexchange of ideas concerning algorithmic learning theory. In particular, this was to be a mutually bene?cial exchange between philosophers, mathematicians and computer scientists. Harizanov and Friend sent out invitations for contributions and invited Norma Goethe to join the editing team. The Dilthey Fellowship of the George Washington University provided resources over the summer of 2003 to enable the editors and some of the contributors to meet in Oviedo (Spain) at the 12th International Congress of Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science. The editing work proceeded from there. The idea behind the volume is to rekindle interdisciplinary discussion. Algorithmic learning theory has been around for nearly half a century. The immediate beginnings can be traced back to E.M. Gold’s papers: “Limiting recursion” (1965) and “Language identi?cation in the limit” (1967). However, from a logical point of view, the deeper roots of the learni- theoretic analysis go back to Carnap’s work on inductive logic (1950, 1952).

This book is about philosophy, mathematics and logic, giving a philosophical account of Pluralism which is a family of positions in the philosophy of mathematics. There are four parts to this book, beginning with a look at motivations for Pluralism by way of Realism, Maddy’s Naturalism, Shapiro’s Structuralism and Formalism. In the second part of this book the author covers: the philosophical presentation of Pluralism; using a formal theory of logic metaphorically; rigour and proof for the Pluralist; and mathematical fixtures. In the third part the author goes on to focus on the transcendental presentation of Pluralism, and in part four looks at applications of Pluralism, such as a Pluralist approach to proof in mathematics and how Pluralism works in regard to together-inconsistent philosophies of mathematics. The book finishes with suggestions for further Pluralist enquiry.In this work the author takes a deeply radical approach in developing a new position that will either convert readers, or act as a strong warning to treat the word ‘pluralism’ with care.