Conclusion
Conclusion
The varieties of mathematical realism that are consistent with the indispensability argument are outlined. It is shown that the argument is silent on many issues such as whether numbers are sets, and whether mathematical entities are causally inert or not. Paul Benacerraf's two objections to mathematical realism are also considered. Finally, the use of indispensability arguments outside the philosophy of mathematics is considered, and, in particular, an indispensability argument for modal realism is discussed.
Keywords: Benacerraf, mathematical entities, mathematical realism, modal realism, numbers, sets
Oxford Scholarship Online requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books within the service. Public users can however freely search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter.
Please, subscribe or login to access full text content.
If you think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.
To troubleshoot, please check our FAQs , and if you can't find the answer there, please contact us .
