Högre seminairum i vetenskapsfilosofi: Jim Brown: (University of Toronto)

More Things in Heaven

Seminarium

Datum:

onsdag 22 oktober 2025

Tid:

13.15 – 15.00

Plats:

D700

Abstract

I begin with the assumption of realism or Platonism in mathematics.  This talk is about the epistemology of mathematics.  The question is what are legitimate, best methods for learning mathematical truths.  

I introduced a thought experiment with the aim of showing that mathematics should not be dominated by traditional proof as the one and only source of knowledge. Much of the talk will be devoted to explaining this, giving examples, and drawing out some of the major consequences.  

The talk will be largely non-technical, but should be of interest to working mathematicians who have an interest in mathematical methodology.  If there is time, one technical example will be given involving through continuum hypothesis. 

The talk is based on a book in progress with the tentative title: More Things in Heaven:  Mathematics, Ethics, and the Platonic Imagination