back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 6296

[from 'Maths as a Science of Patterns' by Michael D. Resnik, in 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 7. Mathematical Structuralism / d. Platonist structuralism ]

Full Idea

I argue that mathematical knowledge has its roots in pattern recognition and representation, and that manipulating representations of patterns provides the connection between the mathematical proof and mathematical truth.

Gist of Idea

Maths is pattern recognition and representation, and its truth and proofs are based on these

Source

Michael D. Resnik (Maths as a Science of Patterns [1997], One.1)

Book Reference

Resnik,Michael D.: 'Mathematics as a Science of Patterns' [OUP 1999], p.9


A Reaction

The suggestion that patterns are at the basis of the ontology of mathematics is the most illuminating thought I have encountered in the area. It immediately opens up the possibility of maths being an entirely empirical subject.