Single Idea 12688

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 1. Foundations for Mathematics]

Full Idea

I wish to explore the idea that mathematics is the formal study of the categorical dimensions of things.

Gist of Idea

Mathematics is the formal study of the categorical dimensions of things

Source

Brian Ellis (The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism [2009], 6)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism' [Acument 2009], p.117


A Reaction

Categorical dimensions are spatiotemporal relations and other non-causal properties. Ellis defends categorical properties as an aspect of science. The obvious connection seems to be with structuralism in mathematics. Shapiro is sympathetic.