Mathematical understanding – Common themes in philosophy and mathematics education

TY - JOUR

T1 - Mathematical understanding – Common themes in philosophy and mathematics education

AU - Carter, Jessica

PY - 2024/12

Y1 - 2024/12

N2 - We present different characterizations of mathematical understanding given by mathematicians, philosophers of mathematics, and mathematics educators. One purpose is to illustrate the diversity of these characterizations. Although the descriptions of understanding may seem incompatible, the paper ends by pointing to some shared themes. They include an emphasis on qualities such as relations and unification. Additionally, we note that re-presentation, including visual representations, is thought to play a role in understanding.

AB - We present different characterizations of mathematical understanding given by mathematicians, philosophers of mathematics, and mathematics educators. One purpose is to illustrate the diversity of these characterizations. Although the descriptions of understanding may seem incompatible, the paper ends by pointing to some shared themes. They include an emphasis on qualities such as relations and unification. Additionally, we note that re-presentation, including visual representations, is thought to play a role in understanding.

KW - Explanations

KW - Relations

KW - Representations

KW - Understanding

KW - Unification

KW - Visualization

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85208266226&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.jmathb.2024.101202

DO - 10.1016/j.jmathb.2024.101202

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:85208266226

SN - 0732-3123

VL - 76

JO - Journal of Mathematical Behavior

JF - Journal of Mathematical Behavior

M1 - 101202

ER -