This unit focuses on contemporary problems in philosophy of mathematics. Perhaps the most fundamental of these problems is that of determining the subject matter of mathematics. Is mathematical knowledge just logical knowledge, abstract knowledge of the empirical world, or something else? And how do we come by mathematical knowledge? Other topics include, the significance of mathematical results about the limits of mathematics (such as Godel's incompleteness theorems), the nature of infinity, and the relationship between pure mathematics and empirical science.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Philosophy |
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Credit points | 6 |
Prerequisites
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12 junior credit points in Philosophy or 12 junior credit points in Mathematics |
Corequisites
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None |
Prohibitions
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PHIL3219 or PHIL2219 |
Assumed knowledge
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None |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | No |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Mark Colyvan, mark.colyvan@sydney.edu.au |
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Lecturer(s) | Mark Colyvan, mark.colyvan@sydney.edu.au |
Tutor(s) | Nathaniel Gan, nathaniel.gan@sydney.edu.au |