Overview

Mathematics as a Science of Patterns is the definitive exposition of a system of ideas about the nature of mathematics which Michael Resnik has been elaborating for a number of years. In calling mathematics a science he implies that it has a factual subject-matter and that mathematical knowledge is on a par with other scientific knowledge; in calling it a science of patterns he expresses his commitment to a structuralist philosophy of mathematics. He links this to a defence of realism about the metaphysics of mathematics--the view that mathematics is about things that really exist. Resnik's distinctive philosophy of mathematics is here presented in an accessible and systematic form: it will be of value not only to specialists in this area, but to philosophers, mathematicians, and logicians interested in the relationship between these three disciplines, or in truth, realism, and epistemology.

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9780198250142

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For over twenty years, Michael D. Resnik has been crafting a philosophical view of mathematics: one remarkably sensitive to the opposing tensions that make philosophizing in this domain so difficult ... the resulting book is perfect for classroom use: it's extremely clear, and Resnik ensures that even the novice is with him at every stage ... It articulates an ambitious and forceful position, only parts of which most of us have seen before. I recommend it without reservation to everyone interested in these topics. Jody Azzouni, Journal of Symbolic Logic In this interesting an important book, Michael Resnik brings together various ideas on the philosophy of mathematics that he has been developing over the last three decades. I highly recommend the work to everyone ... Resnik's book is an extremely rich and interesting one. Moreover, the book is loaded with very bold claims, backed up by interesting arguments and explanations. Mark Balaguer, Philosophia Mathematica It is no criticism to say that a philosophical book leaves questions unanswered -- they all do. What matters is that an author should answer the questions he set out to address, and raise new ones of sufficient interest to sustain further debate. In this, Resnik has succeeded admirably. International Studies in the Philosophy of Science With great clarity and thoroughness, Michael D. Resnik, in Mathematics as a Science of Patterns, and Stewart Shapiro, in Philosophy of Mathematics, both articulate versions of an attractive programme for those who take ontology as primary. Philip Kitcher, Times Literary Supplement

`It is no criticism to say that a philosophical book leaves questions unanswered -- they all do. What matters is that an author should answer the questions he set out to address, and raise new ones of sufficient interest to sustain further debate. In this, Resnik has succeeded admirably.' International Studies in the Philosophy of Science `With great clarity and thoroughness, Michael D. Resnik, in Mathematics as a Science of Patterns, and Stewart Shapiro, in Philosophy of Mathematics, both articulate versions of an attractive programme for those who take ontology as primary.' Philip Kitcher, Times Literary Supplement `perfect for classroom use: it is extremely clear, and Resnik ensures that even the novice is with him at every stage ... It articulates an ambitious and forceful position, only parts of which most of us have seen before. I recommend it without reservation to everyone interested in these topics.' Jody Azzouni, Jrnl of Symbolic Logic, June 99

Author Information

Michael D. Resnik is University Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

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