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Applied Mathematics without Numbers.
- 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 :
- MATHEMATICS
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00318019
- Volume :
- 31
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Philosophia Mathematica
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 164689916
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/philmat/nkac032