Philosophy 29 - Philosophy of Mathematics

Institution:

Dartmouth College

Subject:

Description:

08F: 2 A study of philosophical issues in the foundations of mathematics. What is mathematics about What, if anything, makes the propositions of mathematics true What is the nature of the "objects" studied in mathematics (numbers, functions, groups, etc.) Do they exist independently of the mind Is there really an infinite, and if so, what is it What is the nature of mathematical knowledge How is that knowledge even possible for us Those are the kinds of questions that will occupy us in this class. Readings will be selected from classic and contemporary sources on such topics as the concept of number, the theory of sets, the nature of proof and truth in mathematics, the relationship between our grasp of higher mathematics and our grasp of simple counting, and the many disputes between "realism" and "anti-realism" about mathematPrerequisite: Philosophy 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, or 9, or permission of the instructor. Any prior class in mathematics would be helpful, but no background in mathematics beyond an understanding of the most elementary concepts will be presupposed. Dist: TMV. Levey.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.dartmouth.edu

Phone Number:

(603) 646-1110

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Quarter

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.