FENNER TANSWELL SAVING PROOF FROM PARADOX.pdf (205.04 kB)
Saving proof from paradox: Gödel’s paradox and the inconsistency of informal mathematics
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posted on 2019-08-14, 08:12 authored by Fenner TanswellIn this paper I shall consider two related avenues of argument that have been used to make the case for the inconsistency of mathematics: firstly, Gödel’s paradox which leads to a contradiction within mathematics and, secondly, the incompatibility of completeness and consistency established by Gödel’s incompleteness theorems. By bringing in considerations from the philosophy of mathematical practice on informal proofs, I suggest that we should add to the two axes of completeness and consistency a third axis of formality and informality. I use this perspective to respond to the arguments for the inconsistency of mathematics made by Beall and Priest, presenting problems with the assumptions needed concerning formalisation, the unity of informal mathematics and the relation between the formal and informal.
Funding
Caroline Elder Scholarship
St Andrews/Stirling Philosophy Scholarship
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School
- Science
Department
- Mathematical Sciences
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Logical Studies of Paraconsistent Reasoning in Science and MathematicsPages
159 - 173Publisher
SpringerVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
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© Springer International Publishing AGPublication date
2016-12-03Copyright date
2016ISBN
9783319402185ISSN
1572-6126eISSN
2212-7313Book series
Trends in Logic; 45Language
- en
Editor(s)
Holger Andreas, Peter VerdéeDepositor
Dr Fenner TanswellUsage metrics
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