The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge by Philip Kitcher

The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge by Philip Kitcher

This book argues against the view that mathematical knowledge is a priori, contending that mathematics is an empirical science and develops historically, just as natural sciences do. Kitcher presents a complete, systematic, and richly detailed account of the nature of mathematical knowledge and its historical development, focusing on such neglected issues as how and why mathematical language changes, why certain questions assume overriding importance, and how standards of proof are modified.

"Outstanding--clear, readable, and convincing"--Patricia Churchland, University of California, San Diego "Does an excellent job of tracing the evolution of mathematical rigor. It is a must for the entire academic community."--R.L. Pour, Emory and Henry College "A valuable and important book...It is a pleasure to see Philip Kitcher making such an original contribution to the philosophy of mathematics, and to general philosophy also. All told, it marks him as having one of the freshest minds at work in Anglo-American philosophy today."--Nature "A truly fascinating account."--Library Journal "An impressive display of erudition and philosophical acuity....Should play a significant role in both the philosophy and historiography of mathematics."--British Journal for the Philosophy of Science "Outstanding--clear, readable, and convincing."--Patricia Churchland, University of California, San Diego "Does an excellent job of tracing the evolution of mathematical rigor. It is a must for the entire academic community."--R.L. Pour, Emory and Henry College "A valuable and important book...It is a pleasure to see Philip Kitcher making such an original contribution to the philosophy of mathematics, and to general philosophy also. All told, it marks him as having one of the freshest minds at work in Anglo-American philosophy today."--Nature "A truly fascinating account."--Library Journal "An impressive display of erudition and philosophical acuity....Should play a significant role in both the philosophy and historiography of mathematics."--British Journal for the Philosophy of Science "A book of unusual importance, which should stimulate creative dialogue among historians of mathematics, philosophers of mathematics, and the community of mathematicians." --Historia Mathematica

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780195035414
ISBN 10	0195035410
Title	The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge
Author	Philip Kitcher
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Oxford University Press Inc
Year published	1985-04-11
Number of pages	300
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable