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>Most mathematicians, if asked, would say that in their work they are accessing some Platonic world of ideals that exists independently of our own. Some argue t
by 6gvONxR4sf7o 7y ago
>Most mathematicians, if asked, would say that in their work they are accessing some Platonic world of ideals that exists independently of our own. Some argue that math is a human construct, a product of our own minds, with which scientists model the apparent rules of reality.
Is anyone aware of a source for this? I always figured the majority were mathematical formalists (like me) and was surprised to see this statement.
I was also happy to see multi-colored chalk getting solid representation up there :D
- __MatrixMan__ 7y agoI don't have a source, looked briefly, but if the teachers at my University (UCCS) are a representative sample, then indeed most of them are platonists.
- JackFr 7y agoI forget which book I read it in (maybe the Mathematical Experience) it depends when you ask them. Monday thru Friday, they're platonists. On the weekends they're formalists.
- craftsman 7y agoThe Mathematical Experience by Philip J. Davis and Reuben Hersh talks about the different ways of viewing mathematics, including this Platonic idea of it existing "out there". Another poster noted a quote--which I also think is from that book--about many mathematicians being Platonists on the weekend. It's a beautifully written book. I've read it twice, and just thinking about it makes me want to read it again. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mathematical_Experience https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mathematical_Experience