Single Idea 13409

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 11. Ontological Commitment / e. Ontological commitment problems]

Full Idea

Our empirically best-supported theories may commit us to certain abstract mathematical entities, but this does not necessarily mean that this is what justifies our commitment. That we are committed doesn't explain why we should be.

Gist of Idea

Our best theories may commit us to mathematical abstracta, but that doesn't justify the commitment

Source

David Papineau (Philosophical Insignificance of A Priori Knowledge [2010], §4)


A Reaction

A nice point. It is only a slightly gormless scientism which would say that we have to accept whatever scientists demand. Who's in charge here - scientists, mathematicians or philosophers? Don't answer that...