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  3. Proofs and Refutations
  • Cited by 43
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    • Publisher:
      Cambridge University Press
      Publication date:
      05 November 2015
      08 October 2015
      ISBN:
      9781316286425
      9781107113466
      9781107534056
      DOI:
      https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781316286425
      Dimensions:
      (228 x 152 mm)
      Weight & Pages:
      0.41kg, 196 Pages
      Dimensions:
      (228 x 152 mm)
      Weight & Pages:
      0.3kg, 196 Pages
      • Subjects:
      Mathematics (general), Mathematics, Philosophy: General Interest, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy
      Series:
      Cambridge Philosophy Classics
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    • Selected: Digital
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    Subjects:
    Mathematics (general), Mathematics, Philosophy: General Interest, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy
    Series:
    Cambridge Philosophy Classics
    Information

    Book description

    Imre Lakatos's Proofs and Refutations is an enduring classic, which has never lost its relevance. Taking the form of a dialogue between a teacher and some students, the book considers various solutions to mathematical problems and, in the process, raises important questions about the nature of mathematical discovery and methodology. Lakatos shows that mathematics grows through a process of improvement by attempts at proofs and critiques of these attempts, and his work continues to inspire mathematicians and philosophers aspiring to develop a philosophy of mathematics that accounts for both the static and the dynamic complexity of mathematical practice. With a specially commissioned Preface written by Paolo Mancosu, this book has been revived for a new generation of readers.

    Reviews

    'For anyone interested in mathematics who has not encountered the work of the late Imre Lakatos before, this book is a treasure; and those who know well the famous dialogue, first published in 1963–4 in the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, that forms the greater part of this book, will be eager to read the supplementary material … the book, as it stands, is rich and stimulating, and, unlike most writings on the philosophy of mathematics, succeeds in making excellent use of detailed observations about mathematics as it is actually practised.'

    Michael Dummett Source: Nature

    'The whole book, as well as being a delightful read, is of immense value to anyone concerned with mathematical education at any level.'

    C. W. Kilmister Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement

    'In this book the late Imre Lakatos explores 'the logic of discovery' and 'the logic of justification' as applied to mathematics … The arguments presented are deep … but the author's lucid literary style greatly facilitates their comprehension … The book is destined to become a classic. It should be read by all those who would understand more about the nature of mathematics, of how it is created and how it might best be taught.'

    Source: Education

    ‘How is mathematics really done, and - once done - how should it be presented? Imre Lakatos had some very strong opinions about this. The current book, based on his PhD work under George Polya, is a classic book on the subject. It is often characterized as a work in the philosophy of mathematics, and it is that - and more. The argument, presented in several forms, is that mathematical philosophy should address the way that mathematics is done, not just the way it is often packaged for delivery.’

    William J. Satzer Source: MAA Reviews

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