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Platonism and Anti-Platonism in Mathematics Mark Balaguer (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, California State University, Los Angeles)

Platonism and Anti-Platonism in Mathematics By Mark Balaguer (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, California State University, Los Angeles)

Summary

A demonstration of the value of both platonism and anti-platonism in the solution of mathematical problems. The author solves the important problems associated with both of the views, and demonstrates that it is inherently impossible for us to have a valid argument for or against mathematical platonism.

Platonism and Anti-Platonism in Mathematics Summary

Platonism and Anti-Platonism in Mathematics by Mark Balaguer (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, California State University, Los Angeles)

In this deft and vigorous book, Mark Balaguer demonstrates that there are no good arguments for or against mathematical platonism (i.e., the view that abstract, or non-spatio-temporal, mathematical objects exist, and that mathematical theories are descriptions of such objects). Balaguer does this by establishing that both platonism and anti-platonism are defensible positions. In Part I, he shows that the former is defensible by introducing a novel version of platonism, which he calls full-blooded platonism, or FBP. He argues that if platonists endorse FBP, they can then solve all of the problems traditionally associated with their view, most notably the two Benacerrafian problems (that is, the epistemological problem and the non-uniqueness problem). In Part II, Balaguer defends anti-platonism (in particular, mathematical fictionalism) against various attacks, chief among them the Quine-Putnam indispensability argument. Balaguer's version of fictionalism bears similarities to Hartry Field's, but the arguments Balaguer uses to defend this view are very different. Parts I and II of this book taken together clearly establish that we do not have any good argument for or against platonism. In Part III, Balaguer extends his conclusions, arguing that it is not simply that we do not currently have any good argument for or against platonism, but that we could never have such an argument, and indeed, that there is no fact of the matter as to whether platonism is correct (ie., whether there exist any abstract objects). This lucid and accessibly written book breaks new ground in its area of engagement and makes vital reading for both specialists and anyone else interested in the philosophy of mathematics or metaphysics in general.

Platonism and Anti-Platonism in Mathematics Reviews

excellent book...exceptionally clear, insightful, and useful critical surve? * The Review of Modern Logic Platonism and anti-platonism in mathematics is an impressive work. Balaguer presents forceful arguments for the viability of both FBP and fictionalism, and against the feasibility of any substantially different Platonist or anti-Platonist position. ... an admirable achievement. *
excellent book...exceptionally clear, insightful, and useful critical survey. * The Review of Modern Logic *
Platonism and anti-platonism in mathematics is an impressive work. Balaguer presents forceful arguments for the viability of both FBP and fictionalism, and against the feasibility of any substantially different Platonist or anti-Platonist position. ... an admirable achievement. * The Bulletin of Symbolic Logic *

Additional information

NLS9780195143980
9780195143980
0195143981
Platonism and Anti-Platonism in Mathematics by Mark Balaguer (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, California State University, Los Angeles)
New
Paperback
Oxford University Press Inc
2001-08-09
228
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
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