The Autonomy of Mathematical Knowledge: Hilbert's Program Revisited - Softcover

Franks, Curtis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521183898 ISBN 13: 9780521183895

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2011

Synopsis

This study reconstructs, analyses and re-evaluates the programme of influential mathematical thinker David Hilbert, presenting it in a different light.

About this title

Review

Review of the hardback: 'Franks' book is remarkable for the clarity of the prose and the originality of the arguments. It is a beautiful introduction to Hilbert's thought on the nature of mathematics and a natural extension of his work.' Jeffrey Barrett, University of California, Irvine

'This short but inspiring book questions the received view of Hilbert's contribution to the foundations of mathematics, and offers a newly clarified position within the philosophical attitude known as naturalism, especially of the (fiercely) anti-foundationalist persuasion ... this is without a doubt one of the most thoughtful as well as one of the most beautifully written books on the philosophy of mathematics to have been published in recent memory.' Juliette Kennedy, Bulletin of Symbolic Logic

Book Description

The Autonomy of Mathematical Knowledge presents the philosophical ideas underlying David Hilbert's foundational program in a new light. Hilbert's program is traditionally regarded as a failure, but Curtis Franks weaves together an original historical account with philosophical analysis to show both its validity and its philosophical significance.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521183898
• ISBN 13: 9780521183895
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 228