Thinking About Mathematics
#2093 of 2,654 all-time
Thinking About Mathematics
Stewart Shapiro
3 people recommended it in 3 threads, 2018–2022.
What people on Hacker News said
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the philosophical questions of mathematics. Shapiro writes clearly, concisely, and in a manner that is easy to read.
It's a great introduction to the various philosophies of mathematics: logicism, formalism, intuitionism, structuralism, basically all of the different sorts of philosophical positions prominent people have taken on the nature of mathematics, going back to Plato and Aristotle. It's wonderfully approachable as well, I highly recommend it.
I think it’s pretty reasonable to recommend people start with an accessible contemporary survey rather than diving directly into Plato’s dialogues or any other particular primary source.
Where it comes up
- Philosophy of mathematics – a reading list (2020) 2022 · 1 recommendation
- My Favorite Books 2020 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2018? 2018 · 1 recommendation