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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000010219864 | QA8.4 O93 2005 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
Mathematics and logic have been central topics of concern since the dawn of philosophy. Since logic is the study of correct reasoning, it is a fundamental branch of epistemology and a priority in any philosophical system. Philosophers have focused on mathematics as a case study for general philosophical issues and for its role in overall knowledge- gathering. Today, philosophy of mathematics and logic remain central disciplines in contemporary philosophy, as evidenced by the regular appearance of articles on these topics in the best mainstream philosophical journals; in fact, the last decade has seen an explosion of scholarly work in these areas. This volume covers these disciplines in a comprehensive and accessible manner, giving the reader an overview of the major problems, positions, and battle lines. The 26 contributed chapters are by established experts in the field, and their articles contain both exposition and criticism as well as substantial development of their own positions. The essays, which are substantially self-contained, serve both to introduce the reader to the subject and to engage in it at its frontiers. Certain major positions are represented by two chapters--one supportive and one critical. The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Math and Logic is a ground-breaking reference like no other in its field. It is a central resource to those wishing to learn about the philosophy of mathematics and the philosophy of logic, or some aspect thereof, and to those who actively engage in the discipline, from advanced undergraduates to professional philosophers, mathematicians, and historians.
Author Notes
Stewart Shapiro is O'Donnell Professor of Philosophy at The Ohio State University and Professorial Fellow at the Arché Centre, University of St. Andrews.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
Given the size of this book and the quality of the contents, each of the 26 substantial chapters is itself more than just a "companion" that will guide one through the subject discussed (though each chapter does just that); each is in itself a significant contribution to a particular subject. This is a volume of essays on topics in the area where logic and mathematics intersect, rather than a collection of original sources such as P. Benacerraf and H. Putnam's Philosophy of Mathematics (2nd ed., 1983). It is not primarily a description of the various themes found in the philosophy of logic and mathematics, as were S. Haack's excellent Philosophy of Logics (CH, Apr'79) and Deviant Logic (CH, Jul'75). Essays cover the history of logic from the end of the Middle Ages to the 21st century, together with essays on the major philosophical positions, e.g., logicism and formalist schools and 19th-century empiricist philosophy of mathematics and logic, with special reference to John Stuart Mill. The inclusion of Wittgenstein's philosophy of mathematics assumes, as many would not, that there are good things to be said about it. Major positions such as formalism and intuitionism get two essays (one pro, the other con); logicism, the formative philosophy of mathematics in the 20th century, rightly has three chapters devoted to it. The essays are at times rather technical, as one would expect, but remain throughout accessible to senior undergraduates and above who have the necessary background. Each essay is well written and easy to follow, with a substantial bibliography. A good index enhances the work. This volume will prove indispensable. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above. F. Wilson University of Toronto
