Mathematical Knowledge and the Interplay of Practices

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, History, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects
Cover of the book Mathematical Knowledge and the Interplay of Practices by José Ferreirós, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: José Ferreirós ISBN: 9781400874002
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: December 22, 2015
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: José Ferreirós
ISBN: 9781400874002
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: December 22, 2015
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

This book presents a new approach to the epistemology of mathematics by viewing mathematics as a human activity whose knowledge is intimately linked with practice. Charting an exciting new direction in the philosophy of mathematics, José Ferreirós uses the crucial idea of a continuum to provide an account of the development of mathematical knowledge that reflects the actual experience of doing math and makes sense of the perceived objectivity of mathematical results.

Describing a historically oriented, agent-based philosophy of mathematics, Ferreirós shows how the mathematical tradition evolved from Euclidean geometry to the real numbers and set-theoretic structures. He argues for the need to take into account a whole web of mathematical and other practices that are learned and linked by agents, and whose interplay acts as a constraint. Ferreirós demonstrates how advanced mathematics, far from being a priori, is based on hypotheses, in contrast to elementary math, which has strong cognitive and practical roots and therefore enjoys certainty.

Offering a wealth of philosophical and historical insights, Mathematical Knowledge and the Interplay of Practices challenges us to rethink some of our most basic assumptions about mathematics, its objectivity, and its relationship to culture and science.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book presents a new approach to the epistemology of mathematics by viewing mathematics as a human activity whose knowledge is intimately linked with practice. Charting an exciting new direction in the philosophy of mathematics, José Ferreirós uses the crucial idea of a continuum to provide an account of the development of mathematical knowledge that reflects the actual experience of doing math and makes sense of the perceived objectivity of mathematical results.

Describing a historically oriented, agent-based philosophy of mathematics, Ferreirós shows how the mathematical tradition evolved from Euclidean geometry to the real numbers and set-theoretic structures. He argues for the need to take into account a whole web of mathematical and other practices that are learned and linked by agents, and whose interplay acts as a constraint. Ferreirós demonstrates how advanced mathematics, far from being a priori, is based on hypotheses, in contrast to elementary math, which has strong cognitive and practical roots and therefore enjoys certainty.

Offering a wealth of philosophical and historical insights, Mathematical Knowledge and the Interplay of Practices challenges us to rethink some of our most basic assumptions about mathematics, its objectivity, and its relationship to culture and science.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Genetics in the Madhouse by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book Bible Nation by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book Of War and Law by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book Who Are the Criminals? by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography (MPB-32) by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book The Warbler Guide by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book Wittgenstein Reads Freud by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book Real Analysis by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book Franz Schubert and His World by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book Framing Democracy by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book On War by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book The Great Escape by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book On the Currency of Egalitarian Justice, and Other Essays in Political Philosophy by José Ferreirós
Cover of the book X and the City by José Ferreirós
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy