Universität Wien

180085 KU Mathematical Conservatism (2024W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Note that the first meeting will be on 24.10.2024.

  • Thursday 17.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 24.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 31.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 07.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 14.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 21.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 28.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 05.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 12.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 09.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 16.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 23.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Thursday 30.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This seminar is focused on the historical and philosophical background to mathematical conservatism, a conception of mathematics characterized by a methodology based on the principle of permanence. This principle was widely endorsed in the mathematics of the 19th century, as well as in the foundations of mathematics in the first half of the 20th century. To understand mathematical conservatism, its virtues and limitations, we will discuss doxastic permanence, i.e., the permanence or stability of beliefs, and nomological permanence, i.e., the permanence or stability of laws. We will study classical works of modern philosophers and mathematicians, but also read recent interpretations and reconstructions of such works. Students will thereby become familiar with an important topic in the history and philosophy of mathematics.

Assessment and permitted materials

Since this is a discussion-based seminar, reading the assigned texts before class is mandatory. Preparation for the in-class reconstruction and analysis of arguments begins at home.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Active participation in discussion (35%) and a term paper on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructor (65%). Detailed instructions for writing your paper will be given in the seminar.

All evaluation components are required for successfully completing this course. By registering, students agree that the automated plagiarism checking software Turnitin will check all written submissions. Note that only one unexcused absence is permitted.

Grading scale:

100-85 pts: very good
84-75 pts: good
74-65 pts: satisfactory
64-50 pts: sufficient
49-0 pts: insufficient

Examination topics

There will be no exam.

Reading list

Texts from Descartes, Hume, Peacock, Dedekind, Hankel, Peano, and Bernays, as well as recent commentaries on these, will be all available on moodle.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Su 15.09.2024 09:46