Mathematical Practice, Fictionalism and Social Ontology

Jessica Carter

doi:10.1007/s11245-022-09856-4

Mathematical Practice, Fictionalism and Social Ontology

Institut for Matematik - Videnskabsstudier

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift/Konferencebidrag i tidsskrift /Bidrag til avis › Tidsskriftartikel › Forskning › peer review

2 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

From the perspective of mathematical practice, I examine positions claiming that mathematical objects are introduced by human agents. I consider in particular mathematical fictionalism and a recent position on social ontology formulated by Cole (2013, 2015). These positions are able to solve some of the challenges that non-realist positions face. I argue, however, that mathematical entities have features other than fictional characters and social institutions. I emphasise that the way mathematical objects are introduced is different and point to the multifaceted role that relations and interconnections play in this context. Finally, I argue that mathematical entities can be considered to be pragmatically real.

Originalsprog	Engelsk
Tidsskrift	Topoi
Vol/bind	42
Nummer	1
Sider (fra-til)	211-220
ISSN	0167-7411
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1007/s11245-022-09856-4
Status	Udgivet - feb. 2023

Adgang til dokumentet

10.1007/s11245-022-09856-4

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https://rdcu.be/c2dWL

Citationsformater

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KW - Postulating mathematical objects

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KW - Relations

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