Single Idea 18061

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 2. Intuition of Mathematics]

Full Idea

The intuitions of which mathematicians speak are not those which Platonism requires.

Gist of Idea

Mathematical intuition is not the type platonism needs

Source

Philip Kitcher (The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge [1984], 03.3)

Book Reference

Kitcher,Philip: 'The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge' [OUP 1984], p.61


A Reaction

The point is that it is not taken to be a 'special' ability, but rather a general insight arising from knowledge of mathematics. I take that to be a good account of intuition, which I define as 'inarticulate rationality'.