Full Idea
The existence of very general principles in mathematics are universally regarded as obvious, where on an empiricist view one would expect them to be bold hypotheses, about which a prudent scientist would maintain reserve.
Gist of Idea
General principles can be obvious in mathematics, but bold speculations in empirical science
Source
Charles Parsons (Mathematical Intuition [1980], p.152), quoted by Penelope Maddy - Naturalism in Mathematics
Book Reference
Maddy,Penelope: 'Naturalism in Mathematics' [OUP 2000], p.106
A Reaction
This is mainly aimed at Quine's and Putnam's indispensability (to science) argument about mathematics.