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Applied Mathematics without Numbers.

Authors :
Himelright, Jack
Source :
Philosophia Mathematica. Jun2023, Vol. 31 Issue 2, p147-175. 29p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

In this paper, I develop a "safety result" for applied mathematics. I show that whenever a theory in natural science entails some non-mathematical conclusion via an application of mathematics, there is a counterpart theory that carries no commitment to mathematical objects, entails the same conclusion, and the claims of which are true if the claims of the original theory are "correct": roughly, true given the assumption that mathematical objects exist. The framework used for proving the safety result has some advantages over existing nominalistic accounts of applied mathematics. It also provides a nominalistic account of pure mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects

Subjects :
*MATHEMATICS

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00318019
Volume :
31
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Philosophia Mathematica
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
164689916
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/philmat/nkac032