more from Stewart Shapiro

Single Idea 10249

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 7. Mathematical Structuralism / a. Structuralism]

Full Idea

According to Bourbaki, there are three main types of structure: algebraic structures, such as group, ring, field; order structures, such as partial order, linear order, well-order; topological structures, involving limit, neighbour, continuity, and space.

Gist of Idea

The main mathematical structures are algebraic, ordered, and topological

Source

Stewart Shapiro (Philosophy of Mathematics [1997], 5.5)

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.176


A Reaction

Bourbaki is mentioned as the main champion of structuralism within mathematics.