Indexing And Mathematical Explanation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2011
Published In
Philosophia Mathematica
Abstract
We discuss a recent attempt by Chris Daly and Simon Langford to do away with mathematical explanations of physical phenomena. Daly and Langford suggest that mathematics merely indexes parts of the physical world, and on this understanding of the role of mathematics in science, there is no need to countenance mathematical explanation of physical facts. We argue that their strategy is at best a sketch and only looks plausible in simple cases. We also draw attention to how frequently Daly and Langford find themselves in conflict with mathematical and scientific practice.
Recommended Citation
Alan Richard Baker and M. Colyvan.
(2011).
"Indexing And Mathematical Explanation".
Philosophia Mathematica.
Volume 19,
Issue 3.
323-334.
DOI: 10.1093/philmat/nkr026
https://works.swarthmore.edu/fac-philosophy/50