Explaining mathematical explanation

Journal article

Baron, Sam. (2016). Explaining mathematical explanation. The Philosophical Quarterly. 66(264), pp. 458 - 480. https://doi.org/10.1093/pq/pqv123
AuthorsBaron, Sam
Abstract

There has been a recent surge of interest in mathematical explanations of empirical facts. A number of putative cases of such explanation have been identified, and used to provide support for an explanatory version of the indispensability argument for mathematical platonism. In this paper, I consider the prospects for developing a metaphysically light-weight theory of mathematical explanations by appealing to the resources currently available in existing work on applied mathematics and scientific explanation. I argue that new resources must be marshalled to handle the mathematical case, and sketch out one option for doing so.

Keywordsexplanation; platonism; nominalism; extra-mathematical; mathematics
Year2016
JournalThe Philosophical Quarterly
Journal citation66 (264), pp. 458 - 480
PublisherOxford University Press
ISSN0031-8094
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1093/pq/pqv123
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84977090453
Page range458 - 480
Research GroupDianoia Institute of Philosophy
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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