Philosophy of

Mathematics
MS. JANICE O.
NODA
What is Philosophy of Mathematics?
 It is the branch of philosophy that studies the
philosophical assumptions, foundations, and
implications of mathematics (Hilbert,1996).
 Studies the nature of mathematical truth,
mathematical proof, mathematical evidence,
mathematical practice, and mathematical
explanation (Russell, 1997).Philosophy of
Mathematics? 
Ontology for Mathematics: “Being”
 Ontology studies the nature of the objects
of mathematics.
 It is the claim that mathematical objects
exist independently of their linguistic
expression.
 “What we are talking about.”
 What is a number?
 What is a point? line?
 What is a set?
Epistemology for Mathematics: “Knowing”
 Epistemology studies the acquisition of
knowledge of the truth of a mathematical
statement.
 “whether what we are saying is true.”
 Does knowledge come from experience and
evidence?
 Does knowledge come from argument and
proof?
 Is knowledge relative or absolute?
The development of mathematical ideas :
The mathematics we know today is the result
of an accumulation of content and processes
developed over a period of 4000 years;
Real people in early civilisations developed
ideas and ways to solve problems they faced
in agriculture, and needs for weights and
measures, religious worship, astronomy etc.
They invented number systems to help them
make calculations; geometry ideas to meet
construction needs etc.
Mathematical Traditions:
Babylonian mathematics – large (base 60) number system used
to construct tables for calculations. Strong in Algebra.
Development of calendar.
Egyptian mathematics – used maths as practical tool in
agriculture (harvest & storage, control flooding. Geometry
strong. Devised & used Calendar. Fractions. Indian
mathematics – invention of the Number system (base 10
system). Some geometry & trigonometry.
Greek mathematics – many famous names e.g. Plato, Aristotle,
Pythagoras, Thales. Greatest developments in math ideas.
Strongest in astronomy & geometry.
Arabic mathematics – Centred on Iran & Iraq. Algebra was
greatest contribution. Also astronomy & geometry. Islamic
religious rituals impacted development of geometry &
astronomy (moon).
Egyptian Mathematics : 
Egyptian Mathematics Used mathematics as
practical tool to solve problems e.g.
construction, trade. Used calculations.
Calculations based on addition & 2x tables
Preferred unit fractions (⅓, ⅛, ½, ¼ etc) –
greater accuracy Trade: no currency but traded
using goods such as bread & beer Much
construction work e.g. canals, pyramids.
Notable achievements – development of Lunar
Calendar; Pyramids
Indian Mathematics : 
Indian Mathematics Ancient Hindu society regarded as
sacred & pure discipline. Concealed math
development & ideas. Hindu Brahmins (highest caste)
saw maths as related to stars & planets, and the
gods/heaven & hell. Math knowledge & study
accessible only to high-caste children, so math was
knowledge of the elite. Greatest early mathematicians
were Brahmins – Brahmagupta, Mahavira, Bhaskara
etc. Indian mathematicians known outside India –
Ramanujan & Shakuntala Devi – worked in number
patterns & theorems
Greek Mathematics : 
Greek Mathematics Inherited legacy of accumulated
knowledge from Babylon & Egypt. Improved &
perfected ideas into a formal discipline of study –
practical to abstract maths. Greek were renowned
astronomers Important areas of discovery –
Algorithms (how & why they worked), Theorems &
mathematical Proofs, geometry, astronomy Elements
of Euclidean geometry. Schools of Plato, Aristotle &
Pythagoras opened study to women. Greek
mathematicians: Thales, Pythagoras, Aristotle, Pascal