This Element looks at the contemporary debate on the nature of mathematical rigour and informal proofs as found in mathematical practice. The central argument is for rigour pluralism: that multiple different models of informal proof are good at accounting for different features and functions of the concept of rigour. To illustrate this pluralism, the Element surveys some of the main options in the literature: the 'standard view' that rigour is just formal, logical rigour; the models of proofs as arguments and dialogues; the recipe model of proofs as guiding actions and activities; and the idea of mathematical rigour as an intellectual virtue. The strengths and weaknesses of each are assessed, thereby providing an accessible and empirically-informed introduction to the key issues and ideas found in the current discussion.
By:
Fenner Stanley Tanswell (Loughborough University) Imprint: Cambridge University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 236mm,
Width: 160mm,
Spine: 8mm
Weight: 274g ISBN:9781009494380 ISBN 10: 1009494384 Series:Elements in the Philosophy of Mathematics Pages: 90 Publication Date:28 March 2024 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active