Confirming mathematical theories

an ontologically agnostic stance

Anthony F. Peressini

pp. 257-277

in: Synthese 118 (2), 1999.

Abstract

The Quine/Putnam indispensability approach to the confirmation of mathematical theories in recent times has been the subject of significant criticism. In this paper I explore an alternative to the Quine/Putnam indispensability approach. I begin with a van Fraassen-like distinction between accepting the adequacy of a mathematical theory and believing in the truth of a mathematical theory. Finally, I consider the problem of moving from the adequacy of a mathematical theory to its truth. I argue that the prospects for justifying this move are qualitatively worse in mathematics than they are in science.

Cited authors

Quine Willard Van Orman