Putnam and the Indispensability of Mathematics

Authors

  • Otávio Bueno Department of Philosophy, University of Miami

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1808-1711.2013v17n2p217

Abstract

In this paper, I examine Putnam’s nuanced views in the philosophy of mathematics, distinguishing three proposals: modalism (an interpretation of mathematics in terms of modal logic), quasi-empirical realism (that emphasizes the role and use of quasi-empirical methods in mathematics), and an indispensability view (that highlights the indispensable role of quantification over mathematical objects and the support such quantification provides for a realist interpretation of mathematics). I argue that, as he shifted through these views, Putnam aimed to preserve a semantic realist account of mathematics that avoids platonism. In the end, however, each of the proposals faces significant difficulties. A form of skepticism then emerges

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Published

2013-08-31

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Section

Articles