Single Idea 18141

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 3. Mathematical Nominalism]

Full Idea

Nominalism has two main versions, one which tries to 'reduce' the objects of mathematics to something simpler (Russell and Wittgenstein), and another which claims that such objects are mere 'fictions' which have no reality (Field).

Gist of Idea

Nominalism about mathematics is either reductionist, or fictionalist

Source

David Bostock (Philosophy of Mathematics [2009], 9)

Book Reference

Bostock,David: 'Philosophy of Mathematics: An Introduction' [Wiley-Blackwell 2009], p.262