Synthese 190 (3):509-524 (2013)
| Authors |
|
| Abstract |
Philosophers of mathematics commonly distinguish between explanatory and non-explanatory proofs. An important subclass of mathematical proofs are proofs by induction. Are they explanatory? This paper addresses the question, based on general principles about explanation. First, a recent argument for a negative answer is discussed and rebutted. Second, a case is made for a qualified positive take on the issue.
|
| Keywords | Mathematical induction Mathematical explanation Logic of explanation Grounding |
| Categories | (categorize this paper) |
| ISBN(s) | |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11229-011-0045-z |
| Options |
Edit this record
Mark as duplicate
Export citation
Request removal from index
|
Download options
References found in this work BETA
Guide to Ground.Kit Fine - 2012 - In Fabrice Correia & Benjamin Schnieder (eds.), Metaphysical Grounding. Cambridge University Press. pp. 37--80.
View all 23 references / Add more references
Citations of this work BETA
Explanation in Mathematics: Proofs and Practice.William D'Alessandro - 2019 - Philosophy Compass 14 (11).
Grounding and the Explanatory Role of Generalizations.Stefan Roski - 2018 - Philosophical Studies 175 (8):1985-2003.
Explanatory Circles, Induction, and Recursive Structures.Tomasz Wysocki - 2017 - Thought: A Journal of Philosophy 6 (1):13-16.
Similar books and articles
Against Mathematical Explanation.Mark Zelcer - 2013 - Journal for General Philosophy of Science / Zeitschrift für Allgemeine Wissenschaftstheorie 44 (1):173-192.
.[author unknown] - unknown
Magicicada, Mathematical Explanation and Mathematical Realism.Davide Rizza - 2011 - Erkenntnis 74 (1):101-114.
Mathematical Explanation in Science.Alan Baker - 2009 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 60 (3):611-633.
Induction and Inference to the Best Explanation.Ruth Weintraub - 2013 - Philosophical Studies 166 (1):203-216.
Inference to the Best Explanation and Mathematical Realism.Sorin Ioan Bangu - 2008 - Synthese 160 (1):13-20.
Mathematical Explanation and the Theory of Why-Questions.David Sandborg - 1998 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 49 (4):603-624.
Mathematical Explanations Of Empirical Facts, And Mathematical Realism.Aidan Lyon - 2012 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 90 (3):559-578.
Are There Genuine Mathematical Explanations of Physical Phenomena?Alan Baker - 2005 - Mind 114 (454):223-238.
Inference to the Best Explanation and Mathematical Realism.Sorin Ioan Bangu - 2008 - Synthese 160 (1):13-20.
Proclus' Account of Explanatory Demonstrations in Mathematics and its Context.Orna Harari - 2008 - Archiv für Geschichte der Philosophie 90 (2):137-164.
Analytics
Added to PP index
2012-03-01
Total views
149 ( #58,877 of 2,333,191 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
7 ( #98,991 of 2,333,191 )
2012-03-01
Total views
149 ( #58,877 of 2,333,191 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
7 ( #98,991 of 2,333,191 )
How can I increase my downloads?
Downloads
