Mathematical Explanation in Science

被引：144

作者：

Baker, Alan ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] Swarthmore Coll, Dept Philosophy, Swarthmore, PA 19081 USA

来源：

BRITISH JOURNAL FOR THE PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE | 2009年 / 60卷 / 03期

关键词：

D O I：

10.1093/bjps/axp025

中图分类号：

N09 [自然科学史]; B [哲学、宗教];

学科分类号：

01 ; 0101 ; 010108 ; 060207 ; 060305 ; 0712 ;

摘要：

Does mathematics ever play an explanatory role in science? If so then this opens the way for scientific realists to argue for the existence of mathematical entities using inference to the best explanation. Elsewhere I have argued, using a case study involving the prime-numbered life cycles of periodical cicadas, that there are examples of indispensable mathematical explanations of purely physical phenomena. In this paper I respond to objections to this claim that have been made by various philosophers, and I discuss potential future directions of research for each side in the debate over the existence of abstract mathematical objects.

引用

页码：611 / 633

页数：23

共 22 条

[1]

[Anonymous], 1989, MATH NUMBERS MODAL S, DOI DOI 10.1093/0198240341.001.0001

[2] Are there genuine mathematical explanations of physical phenomena? [J].

Baker, A .

MIND, 2005, 114 (454) :223-238

[3] Does the existence of mathematical objects make a difference? (Nominalism) [J].

Baker, A .

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHY, 2003, 81 (02) :246-264

[4] Inference to the best explanation and mathematical realism [J].

Bangu, Sorin Ioan .

SYNTHESE, 2008, 160 (01) :13-20

[5]

BOOLOS G, 1981, LINGUIST INQ, V12, P465

[6]

Burgess J., 1997, SUBJECT NO OBJECT

[7] Mathematics and aesthetic considerations in science [J].

Colyvan, M .

MIND, 2002, 111 (441) :69-79

[8]

DALY C, PHILOS Q IN PRESS

[9] The analytic limit of genuine modal realism [J].

Divers, J ;

Melia, J .

MIND, 2002, 111 (441) :15-36

[10]

Dorr C., 2007, CONT DEBATES METAPHY

← 1 2 3 →