Single Idea 8725

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / C. Rationalism / 1. Rationalism]

Full Idea

Rationalism is a long-standing school that can be characterized as an attempt to extend the perceived methodology of mathematics to all of knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Rationalism tries to apply mathematical methodology to all of knowledge

Source

Stewart Shapiro (Thinking About Mathematics [2000], 1.1)

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Thinking About Mathematics' [OUP 2000], p.3


A Reaction

Sometimes called 'Descartes's Dream', or the 'Enlightenment Project', the dream of proving everything. Within maths, Hilbert's Programme aimed for the same certainty. Idea 22 is the motto for the opposition to this approach.

Related Idea

Idea 22 Trained minds never expect more precision than is possible [Aristotle]