more from David Hilbert

Single Idea 8717

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 1. Mathematics]

Full Idea

Hilbert wanted to derive ideal mathematics from the secure, paradox-free, finite mathematics (known as 'Hilbert's Programme'). ...Note that for the realist consistency is not something we need to prove; it is a precondition of thought.

Gist of Idea

Hilbert wanted to prove the consistency of all of mathematics (which realists take for granted)

Source

report of David Hilbert (works [1900], 6.7) by Michèle Friend - Introducing the Philosophy of Mathematics

Book Reference

Friend,Michèle: 'Introducing the Philosophy of Mathematics' [Acumen 2007], p.154


A Reaction

I am an intuitive realist, though I am not so sure about that on cautious reflection. Compare the claims that there are reasons or causes for everything. Reality cannot contain contradicitions (can it?). Contradictions would be our fault.