Reality of Numbers: A Physicalist's Philosophy of Mathematics - Couverture rigide

Bigelow, John

 
9780198249573: Reality of Numbers: A Physicalist's Philosophy of Mathematics
Couverture rigide
ISBN 10 : 0198249578 ISBN 13 : 9780198249573
Editeur : Clarendon Press, 1988

Synopsis

This book casts new light on mathematics through its consideration of metaphysical materialism. The author identifies natural, real and imaginary numbers and sets with specified physical properties and relations.

However sets are construed numbers are not sets. Sets are important simply because they instantiate all the numbers and all the other properties and relations studied in mathematics. Set theory tempts us into misunderstanding the nature of mathematics; Bigelow challenges the myth that mathematical objects can be defined into existence.

By reconstruing numbers as real, non-linguistic, physical properties or relations, mathematics can be drawn back from its sterile, abstract exile into the midst of the physical world to which we belong.

Les informations fournies dans la section « Synopsis » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Revue de presse

'This book is written with obvious enthusiasm and a deep, and frequently expressed, conviction of the essential correctness of the view it seeks to promote.' Bob Hale, University of St Andrews. THES

'This is what philosophy ought to be: a grand vision combined with original and careful work on the details. It is presented with lucidity and modesty and good humour, and bedazzling technicalities. An admirable book.' David Lewis, Princeton University, Australasian Journal of Philosophy

'This is what philosophy ought to be: a grand vision combined with original and careful work on the details. It is presented with lucidity and modesty and good humour, and without bedazzling technicalities. An admirable book.' David Lewis, Princeton University, Australasian Journal of Philosophy

Présentation de l'éditeur

This book casts new light on mathematics through its consideration of metaphysical materialism. The author identifies natural, real and imaginary numbers and sets with specified physical properties and relations. However sets are construed numbers are not sets. Sets are important simply because they instantiate all the numbers and all the other properties and relations studied in mathematics. Set theory tempts us into misunderstanding the nature of mathematics; Bigelow challenges the myth that mathematical objects can be defined into existence. By reconstruing numbers as real, non-linguistic, physical properties or relations, mathematics can be drawn back from its sterile, abstract exile into the midst of the physical world to which we belong.

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Éditeur
Clarendon Press
Date d'édition
1988
Langue
anglais
ISBN 10 
0198249578
ISBN 13 
9780198249573
Reliure
Relié
Nombre de pages
208
Coordonnées du fabricant
non disponible
Personne responsable
Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie
ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it

Via Verdi, 8
Assago Milano
20090
Italie