Single Idea 17932

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 7. Mathematical Structuralism / e. Structuralism critique]

Full Idea

In re structuralism does not posit anything other than the kinds of structures that are in fact found in the world. ...The problem is that the world may not provide rich enough structures for the mathematics.

Gist of Idea

If 'in re' structures relies on the world, does the world contain rich enough structures?

Source

Mark Colyvan (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics [2012], 3.1.2)

Book Reference

Colyvan,Mark: 'An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics' [CUP 2012], p.41


A Reaction

You can perceive a repeating pattern in the world, without any interest in how far the repetitions extend.