Explaining Mathematical Explanation

Bibliographic Data

ID4351665
AuthorsSherry Baron (0000-0003-4000-3276, University of Auckland, corresponding author), Sam Baron
Year2016
Volume66
Issue264
Pages458-480
Publication date2016-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Philosophical Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-8094 • E-ISSN: 1467-9213
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/pq/pqv123
OpenAlexW2342382823
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited29

There has been a recent surge of interest in mathematical explanations of empirical facts. A number of putative cases of such explanation have been identified, and used to provide support for an explanatory version of the indispensability argument for mathematical platonism. In this paper, I consider the prospects for developing a metaphysically light-weight theory of mathematical explanations by appealing to the resources currently available in existing work on applied mathematics and scientific explanation. I argue that new resources must be marshalled to handle the mathematical case, and sketch out one option for doing so.

Algorithm · Argument (complex analysis) · Calculus (dental) · Epistemology · Mathematical economics · Mathematical model · Mathematical practice · Mathematical structure · Mathematical theory · Mathematics education · Metaphysics · Platonism · Scientific theory · Sketch · Computer Science · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Philosophy and Theoretical Science · Quantum Mechanics and Applications

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