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Single Idea 10105

[from 'Philosophies of Mathematics' by A.George / D.J.Velleman, in 5. Theory of Logic / J. Model Theory in Logic / 2. Isomorphisms ]

Full Idea

Mathematicians tend to regard the differences between isomorphic mathematical structures as unimportant.

Gist of Idea

Differences between isomorphic structures seem unimportant

Source

A.George / D.J.Velleman (Philosophies of Mathematics [2002], Ch.3)

Book Reference

George,A/Velleman D.J.: 'Philosophies of Mathematics' [Blackwell 2002], p.69


A Reaction

This seems to be a pointer towards Structuralism as the underlying story in mathematics. The intrinsic character of so-called 'objects' seems unimportant. How theories map onto one another (and onto the world?) is all that matters?