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Single Idea 17620

[from 'Defending the Axioms' by Penelope Maddy, in 5. Theory of Logic / C. Ontology of Logic / 3. If-Thenism ]

Full Idea

If-thenism denies that mathematics is in the business of discovering truths about abstracta. ...[their opponents] obviously don't regard any starting point, even a consistent one, as equally worthy of investigation.

Gist of Idea

Critics of if-thenism say that not all starting points, even consistent ones, are worth studying

Source

Penelope Maddy (Defending the Axioms [2011], 3.3)

Book Reference

Maddy,Penelope: 'Defending the Axioms' [OUP 2013], p.99


A Reaction

I have some sympathy with if-thenism, in that you can obviously study the implications of any 'if' you like, but deep down I agree with the critics.