Mathematical Knowledge, Objects and Applications

This book provides a survey of a number of the major issues in the philosophy of mathematics, such as ontological questions regarding the nature of mathematical objects, epistemological questions about the acquisition of mathematical knowledge, and the intriguing riddle of the applicability of mathematics to the physical world. Some of these issues go back to the nascent years of mathematics itself, others are just beginning to draw the attention of scholars. In addressing these question, some of the papers in this volume wrestle with them directly, while others use the writings of philosophers such as Hume and Wittgenstein to approach their problems by way of interpretation and critique. These issues and these approaches lay at the heart of Mark Steiner’s work throughout his career. They are addressed in the present volume by prominent philosophers of science and of mathematics as well as promising younger scholars. The volume seeks to share the concerns of philosophers of mathematics and of science with a wider audience and will be of interest to historians, mathematicians and philosophers alike.