Course ID: | PHIL 4530/6530. 3 hours. |
Course Title: | Philosophy of Mathematics |
Course Description: | The philosophical issues associated with mathematical inquiry, including, perhaps, the existence and nature of mathematical objects, the epistemology of mathematical truths, the character of mathematical proof, and the foundations of mathematics. |
Oasis Title: | Philosophy of Mathematics |
Prerequisite: | PHIL 2500 or PHIL 2500H or PHIL 2500E or MATH 2200 or permission of department |
Semester Course Offered: | Offered spring semester every odd-numbered year. |
Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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Course Objectives: | Students will be expected to develop an appreciation for philosophical issues
arising in the consideration of mathematics and to master arguments presented by
authors treated in the course. Communicating effectively through writing and speech,
relevant use of the computer, and critical thinking are all stressed. During the
course the student should be improving in each of these skill areas. |
Topical Outline: | The course will consider philosophical issues associated with mathematical inquiry,
including such topics as:
I. The existence and nature of mathematical objects
II. The epistemology of mathematical truths
III. The character of mathematical proof
IV. The foundations of mathematics |