Single Idea 18063

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / c. Conceptualism]

Full Idea

Conceptualists claim that we have basic a priori knowledge of mathematical axioms in virtue of our possession of mathematical concepts.

Gist of Idea

Conceptualists say we know mathematics a priori by possessing mathematical concepts

Source

Philip Kitcher (The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge [1984], 04.1)

Book Reference

Kitcher,Philip: 'The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge' [OUP 1984], p.65


A Reaction

I sympathise with this view. If concepts are reasonably clear, they will relate to one another in certain ways. How could they not? And how else would you work out those relations other than by thinking about them?