Mathematics as a Science of Patterns - Hardcover

Resnik, Michael D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198236085 ISBN 13: 9780198236085

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 1997

Synopsis

Mathematics as a Science of Patterns is the definitive exposition of a system of ideas about the nature of mathematics which Michael Resnik has been elaborating for a number of years. In calling mathematics a science he implies that it has a factual subject-matter and that mathematical knowledge is on a par with other scientific knowledge; in calling it a science of patterns he expresses his commitment to a structuralist philosophy of mathematics. He links this to a defence of realism about the metaphysics of mathematics--the view that mathematics is about things that really exist.

Resnik's distinctive philosophy of mathematics is here presented in an accessible and systematic form: it will be of value not only to specialists in this area, but to philosophers, mathematicians, and logicians interested in the relationship between these three disciplines, or in truth, realism, and epistemology.

About this title

Review

this is a big book, presenting a complete philosophy of mathematics, surveying the recent work in the field, and dealing with myriad problems while attempting to sketch solutions to each of them ... this work presents a defence of empiricism and a reduced and subtle kind of realism in mathematics ... Resnik has presented an admirably clear discussion of the main issues and arguments that define the philosophy of mathematics. His excellent exposition of the issues and his exploration of new solutions constitute and important advance in the discussion. (David J. Stump, History and Philosophy of Logic)

For over twenty years, Michael D. Resnik has been crafting a philosophical view of mathematics: one remarkably sensitive to the opposing tensions that make philosophizing in this domain so difficult ... the resulting book is perfect for classroom use: it's extremely clear, and Resnik ensures that even the novice is with him at every stage ... It articulates an ambitious and forceful position, only parts of which most of us have seen before. I recommend it without reservation to everyone interested in these topics. (Jody Azzouni, Journal of Symbolic Logic)

About the Author

Michael D. Resnik is University Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Edition details

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198236085
• ISBN 13: 9780198236085
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 298