Philosophy of Mathematics

Description

A sophisticated, original introduction to the philosophy of mathematics from one of its leading thinkers Mathematics is a model of precision and objectivity, but it appears distinct from the empirical sciences because it seems to deliver nonexperiential knowledge of a nonphysical reality of numbers, sets, and functions. How can these two aspects

Oystein Linnebo is professor of philosophy at the University of Oslo. He is the author of Thin Objects: An Abstractionist Account and the coauthor (with Salvatore Florio) of The Many and the One: A Philosophical Study.

"Linnebo's slender volume is an admirable addition to the many existing books on the philosophy of mathematics. It is clear, concise, and well written. . . . All in all, this is an excellent introduction to the philosophy of mathematics and should be seriously considered by any individual interested in the subject."--Choice "This is a thought-provoking book, and is a useful addition to the textbook literature on this subject."--MAA Reviews "This is an excellent introduction to the philosophy of mathematics, with clear and careful coverage of both traditional topics and cutting-edge contemporary debates."--Roy T. Cook, University of Minnesota "This book provides a nice lay of the land for anyone interested in contemporary philosophy of mathematics."---Gregory Lavers, Philosophy Mathematica "[This book] is very, very good. Superbly clear, concise, well organised, it gives not only a very accessible introduction but also takes the reader all the way to the cutting edge of what philosophers are doing in the philosophy of mathematics. Above all, Linnebo writes as a fully engaged philosopher and makes his preferred choice of philosophical position clear. But this is no mere polemic: I felt he clearly and forcefully presents the strengths and weaknesses of all the philosophical positions he discusses."---Henri Laurie, Mathemafrica "This is a good introduction to the philosophy of mathematics--clear and concise, and with original observations and a coherent point of view."--John P. Burgess, Princeton University