Clarifying support for the improved mathematical indispensability argument

Authors

  • Eduardo Castro

Keywords:

Mathematical Indispensability. Holism. Naturalism. Explanation. Causation.

Abstract

The enhanced mathematical indispensability argument, proposed by Alan Baker (2005), argues that we must commit to mathematical entities, because mathematical entities play an indispensable explanatory role in our best scientific theories. This article clarifies the doctrines that support this argument, namely, the doctrines of naturalism and confirmational holism.

Published

2017-07-31

Issue

Section

Dossiê: Epistemologia e Filosofia da Ciência