| Unit name | Philosophy of Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL20039 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Fujimoto |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The course gives an overview of the main theories in contemporary philosophy of mathematics. It starts with a discussion of the three main foundational schools of the first half of the twentieth century (logicism, intuitionism, formalism). Then the unit further goes on to study recent developments in the philosophy of mathematics such as a modern form of Platonism, nominalism, and structuralism.
By the end of the course students will have
(a) gained comprehensive knowledge of the main questions and schools of thought in modern philosophy of mathematics
(b) learned to engage with these questions with suitable competence
(c) strengthened their oral and written skills in philosophical argumentation.
1-hour lecture + 1-hour seminar per week
2 formative essays + 3-hour exam
Key reading:
Shapiro, S. Thinking About Mathematics, OUP, 2000
