more from Paul Bernays

Single Idea 10303

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 1. Mathematical Platonism / a. For mathematical platonism]

Full Idea

A restricted Platonism does not claim to be more than, so to speak, an ideal projection of a domain of thought.

Gist of Idea

Restricted Platonism is just an ideal projection of a domain of thought

Source

Paul Bernays (On Platonism in Mathematics [1934], p.261)

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.261


A Reaction

I have always found Platonism to be congenial when it talks of 'ideals', and ridiculous when it talks of a special form of 'existence'. Ideals only 'exist' because we idealise things. I may declare myself, after all, to be a Restricted Platonist.