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| by: Stewart Shapiro |
Thinking about Mathematics: The Philosophy of Mathematics
by: Stewart Shapiro
* Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
* Number Of Pages: 328
* Publication Date: 2000-10-05
* ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0192893068
* ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780192893062
Product Description:
This unique book by Stewart Shapiro looks at a range of philosophical issues and positions concerning mathematics in four comprehensive sections. Part I describes questions and issues about mathematics that have motivated philosophers since the beginning of intellectual history. Part II is an historical survey, discussing the role of mathematics in the thought of such philosophers as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Mill. Part III covers the three major positions held throughout the twentieth century: the idea that mathematics is logic (logicism), the view that the essence of mathematics is the rule-governed manipulation of characters (formalism), and a revisionist philosophy that focuses on the mental activity of mathematics (intuitionism). Finally, Part IV brings the reader up-to-date with a look at contemporary developments within the discipline.
This sweeping introductory guide to the philosophy of mathematics makes these fascinating concepts accessible to those with little background in either mathematics or philosophy.
Summary: Excellent
Rating: 5
An excellent book that I recommend to readers interested on mathematical philosophy who are not specialists. A nice difference with other books covering the topic is that no term is considered known so the reader does not have to be accompanied with a philosophy encyclopedia. Needless to say that concepts and ideas are clearly exposed. Congratulations to Prof. Shapiro.
http://ifile.it/7t02pwl/thinking.about.mathematics_shapiro_0192893068.rar
