Single Idea 18135

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / d. Predicativism]

Full Idea

It has been claimed that only predicative mathematics has a justification through its usefulness to science (an empiricist approach).

Gist of Idea

If mathematics rests on science, predicativism may be the best approach

Source

David Bostock (Philosophy of Mathematics [2009], 8.3)

Book Reference

Bostock,David: 'Philosophy of Mathematics: An Introduction' [Wiley-Blackwell 2009], p.252


A Reaction

[compressed. Quine is the obvious candidate] I suppose predicativism gives your theory roots, whereas impredicativism is playing an abstract game.