Applying Mathematics

Immersion, Inference, Interpretation

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, Mathematics
Cover of the book Applying Mathematics by Otávio Bueno, Steven French, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Otávio Bueno, Steven French ISBN: 9780192558978
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: May 31, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Otávio Bueno, Steven French
ISBN: 9780192558978
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: May 31, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

How is that when scientists need some piece of mathematics through which to frame their theory, it is there to hand? What has been called 'the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics' sets a challenge for philosophers. Some have responded to that challenge by arguing that mathematics is essentially anthropocentric in character, whereas others have pointed to the range of structures that mathematics offers. Otávio Bueno and Steven French offer a middle way, which focuses on the moves that have to be made in both the mathematics and the relevant physics in order to bring the two into appropriate relation. This relation can be captured via the inferential conception of the applicability of mathematics, which is formulated in terms of immersion, inference, and interpretation. In particular, the roles of idealisations and of surplus structure in science and mathematics respectively are brought to the fore and captured via an approach to models and theories that emphasize the partiality of the available information: the partial structures approach. The discussion as a whole is grounded in a number of case studies drawn from the history of quantum physics, and extended to contest recent claims that the explanatory role of certain mathematical structures in scientific practice supports a realist attitude towards them. The overall conclusion is that the effectiveness of mathematics does not seem unreasonable at all once close attention is paid to how it is actually applied in practice.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How is that when scientists need some piece of mathematics through which to frame their theory, it is there to hand? What has been called 'the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics' sets a challenge for philosophers. Some have responded to that challenge by arguing that mathematics is essentially anthropocentric in character, whereas others have pointed to the range of structures that mathematics offers. Otávio Bueno and Steven French offer a middle way, which focuses on the moves that have to be made in both the mathematics and the relevant physics in order to bring the two into appropriate relation. This relation can be captured via the inferential conception of the applicability of mathematics, which is formulated in terms of immersion, inference, and interpretation. In particular, the roles of idealisations and of surplus structure in science and mathematics respectively are brought to the fore and captured via an approach to models and theories that emphasize the partiality of the available information: the partial structures approach. The discussion as a whole is grounded in a number of case studies drawn from the history of quantum physics, and extended to contest recent claims that the explanatory role of certain mathematical structures in scientific practice supports a realist attitude towards them. The overall conclusion is that the effectiveness of mathematics does not seem unreasonable at all once close attention is paid to how it is actually applied in practice.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Oxford Studies in Metaethics 11 by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book The Invisible Enemy by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book Out-of-Body and Near-Death Experiences by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy in Early Modern Europe by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book Mors Britannica by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book God and Mystery in Words by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book Energetic Food Webs by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book Classical Philosophy by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book Medical Law: A Very Short Introduction by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book Advanced Training in Anaesthesia by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of British Philosophy in the Eighteenth Century by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book War in England 1642-1649 by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book On the Topology and Future Stability of the Universe by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book A University Education by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
Cover of the book The Grammar of Words: An Introduction to Linguistic Morphology by Otávio Bueno, Steven French
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy