Vineberg, Susan (2018) Mathematical explanation and indispensability. THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 33 (2). pp. 233-247. ISSN 2171-679X
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Abstract
This paper discusses Baker’s Enhanced Indispensability Argument (EIA) for mathematical realism on the basis of the indispensable role mathematics plays in scientific explanations of physical facts, along with various responses to it. I argue that there is an analogue of causal explanation for mathematics which, of several basic types of explanation, holds the most promise for use in the EIA. I consider a plausible case where mathematics plays an explanatory role in this sense, but argue that such use still does not support realism about mathematical objects.
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| Item Type: | Published Article or Volume | ||||||
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| Additional Information: | ISSN: 0495-4548 (print) | ||||||
| Keywords: | Explanation, Indispensability Argument | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Applicability Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Mathematics |
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| Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email theoria@ehu.es | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jun 2018 18:00 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 20 Jun 2018 18:00 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 14794 | ||||||
| Journal or Publication Title: | THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science | ||||||
| Publisher: | Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / Universidad del País Vasco | ||||||
| Official URL: | http://www.ehu.eus/ojs/index.php/THEORIA/article/v... | ||||||
| DOI or Unique Handle: | 10.1387/theoria.17615 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Applicability Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Mathematics |
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| Date: | May 2018 | ||||||
| Page Range: | pp. 233-247 | ||||||
| Volume: | 33 | ||||||
| Number: | 2 | ||||||
| ISSN: | 2171-679X | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14794 |
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