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Maddy, Penelope.

Naturalism in mathematics / Penelope Maddy. - Oxford : New York : Clarendon Press ; Oxford University Press, 1997. - 1 online resource (viii, 254 pages)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I, The problem. The origins of set theory ; Set theory as a foundation ; The standard axioms ; Independent questions ; New axiom candidates -- Part II, Realism. Gödelian realism ; Quinean realism ; Set theoretic realism ; A realist's case against ; Hints of trouble ; Indispensability and scientific practice ; Indispensability and mathematical practice -- Part III, Naturalism. Wittgensteinian anti-philosophy ; A second Gödelian theme ; Quinean naturalism ; Mathematical naturalism ; The problem revisited ; A naturalist's case against.

Set theory has rendered the notion of self-evident truths to be obsolete in mathematics. Penelope Maddy examines this dilemma using the minimum of technical jargon. Set theory is explained in a manner that can be understood by non-mathematicians.

ISBN: 0198250754 9780198250753 9780198235736 (electronic bk.) 0198235739 (electronic bk.) 9780191597961 0191597961

Nat. Bib. No.: GB9774689 bnb

Nat. Bib. Agency Control No.: 000013126785 AU

Subjects--Topical Terms:
Mathematics--Philosophy.
Naturalism.
Mathématiques--Philosophie.
Naturalisme.
naturalism (philosophical movement)
MATHEMATICS--History & Philosophy.
Mathematics--Philosophy.
Naturalism.
Wiskunde.
Realisme (filosofie)

Index Terms--Genre/Form:
Electronic books.
Electronic books.

LC Class. No.: QA8.4 / .M328 1997eo

Dewey Class. No.: 510/.1