
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
The Metaphysics and Mathematics of Arbitrary Objects
About this book
Building on the seminal work of Kit Fine in the 1980s, Leon Horsten here develops a new theory of arbitrary entities. He connects this theory to issues and debates in metaphysics, logic, and contemporary philosophy of mathematics, investigating the relation between specific and arbitrary objects and between specific and arbitrary systems of objects. Hisbook shows how this innovative theory is highly applicable to problems in the philosophy of arithmetic, and explores in particular how arbitrary objects can engage with the nineteenth-century concept of variable mathematical quantities, how they are relevant for debates around mathematical structuralism, and how they can help our understanding of the concept of random variables in statistics. This fully worked through theory will open up new avenues within philosophy of mathematics, bringing in the work of other philosophers such as Saul Kripke, and providing new insights into the development of the foundations of mathematics from the eighteenth century to the present day.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Half-title
- Title page
- Copyright information
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Symbols and Abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Metaphysics of Mathematics
- 3 Arbitrary Objects
- 4 Mathematical Objects as Arbitrary Objects
- 5 Structure in Mathematics
- 6 Mathematical Structures
- 7 Kit Fine
- 8 Generic Systems and Mathematical Structuralism
- 9 Reasoning about Generic ω-Sequences
- 10 Probability and Random Variables
- 11 Directions for Future Research
- Bibliography
- Index