Single Idea 9630

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 7. Formalism]

Full Idea

In mathematics, the most brilliant formalist of all was Hilbert

Gist of Idea

The most brilliant formalist was Hilbert

Source

James Robert Brown (Philosophy of Mathematics [1999], Ch. 5)

Book Reference

Brown,James Robert: 'Philosophy of Mathematics' [Routledge 2002], p.63


A Reaction

He seems to have developed his fully formalist views later in his career. See Mathematics|Basis of Mathematic|Formalism in our thematic section. Kreisel denies that Hilbert was a true formalist.