| Unit name | Philosophy of Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL30090 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Everett |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In this unit two or three of the following topics will be covered:
1. The mathematical universe as a whole (the set theoretic universe) cannot be understood in the same way as the elements in it (the sets). This raises the questions: what is the ontological nature of the mathematical universe as a whole? What is the nature of the relation between the mathematical universe as a whole and the sets that populate it?
2. Gödel's theorem tells us that a sufficiently strong consistent mathematical theory can express but cannot prove its own consistency. Nonetheless, when we accept a mathematical theory, we are implicitly commitment to its consistency. Therefore the implicit commitment of a mathematical theory outstrips its explicit commitment. What is the nature and scope of implicit commitment associated with the acceptance of a mathematical theory?
3. Recently probability theories have been proposed that make use of infinitesimal (i.e., infinitely small) probability values. But philosophical objections have been raised by prominent philosophers (Williamson, Easwaran, Pruss,...) against the use of infinitesimals in probability theory. How cogent are these objections?
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Lectures, small group work, individual exercises, seminars and virtual learning environment.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
None
Tasks which do not count towards your unit mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
digital presentation (0% to be completed for the award of credit) [ILOs 1]
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
4500-word essay (100%) [ILOs 1]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHIL30090).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
