Are There Genuine Mathematical Explanations Of Physical Phenomena?

Authors

Alan Richard Baker, Swarthmore CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2005

Published In

Mind

Abstract

Many explanations in science make use of mathematics. But are there cases where the mathematical component of a scientific explanation is explanatory in its own right? This issue of mathematical explanations in science has been for the most part neglected. I argue that there are genuine mathematical explanations in science, and present in some detail an example of such an explanation, taken from evolutionary biology, involving periodical cicadas. I also indicate how the answer to my title question impacts on broader issues in the philosophy of mathematics; in particular it may help platonists respond to a recent challenge by Joseph Melia concerning the force of the Indispensability Argument.

Comments

Reprinted in: (2017). Philosophy of Mathematics.

Recommended Citation

Alan Richard Baker. (2005). "Are There Genuine Mathematical Explanations Of Physical Phenomena?". Mind. Volume 114, Issue 454. 223-238. DOI: 10.1093/mind/fzi223
https://works.swarthmore.edu/fac-philosophy/48