AN EXAMINATION OF IMRE LAKATOS' PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS.

The article focuses on sociologist Imre Lakatos philosophy of mathematics. Lakatos' conception of the nature and role of proof in mathematics has been discussed. It is somewhat surprising that Lakatos should have been much concerned with the nature and function of proof. His position rests on infini...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Philosophical Forum Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 33 - 49
Autor principal: Lehman, Hugh
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Fall1980
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:The article focuses on sociologist Imre Lakatos philosophy of mathematics. Lakatos' conception of the nature and role of proof in mathematics has been discussed. It is somewhat surprising that Lakatos should have been much concerned with the nature and function of proof. His position rests on infinite regress arguments. It is always possible to find counter-examples to mathematical statements. It is not possible to define mathematical terms so precisely that on can obtain statements, which are indubitable. The effort to provide such definitions leads to a vicious infinite regress. Thus, all statements in mathematics are, according to Lakatos, conjectural.