Overview
"In this highly absorbing work, Balaguer demonstrates that no good arguments exist either for or against mathematical platonism-for example, the view that abstract mathematical objects do exist and that mathematical theories are descriptions of such objects. Balaguer does this by establishing that both platonism and anti-platonism are justifiable views. Introducing a form of platonism, called ""full-blooded platonism,"" that solves all problems traditionally associated with the view, he proceeds to defend anti-platonism (in particular, mathematical fictionalism) against various attacks-most notably the Quine-Putnam indispensability attack. He concludes by arguing that it is not simply that we do not currently have any good arguments for or against platonism but that we could never have such an argument. This lucid and accessible book breaks new ground in its area of engagement and makes vital reading for both specialists and all those intrigued by the philosophy of mathematics, or metaphysics in general."
Full Product Details
Author: Mark Balaguer (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, California State University, Los Angeles)
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
Imprint: Oxford University Press Inc
Edition: New edition
Dimensions:
Width: 23.50cm
, Height: 1.80cm
, Length: 15.40cm
Weight: 0.376kg
ISBN: 9780195143980
ISBN 10: 0195143981
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 09 August 2001
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
<br> 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<br>
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
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<br>
