Introduction to Philosophy of

Mathematics
EMT420/MATE402
Introducti
on
• What is the philosophy of mathematics?
• Examines the nature, foundations, and
implications of mathematics
• Key questions:
• What is the nature of mathematical
objects?
• How do we know mathematical
truths?
• Is mathematics discovered or
invented?
WHAT IS A NUMBER?
What is a number?
A symbol

A character designed to represent a certain type

of mathematical idea

One symbol for each type of number

Has properties, but no existence outside the

human reason

A real entity

An object that exists somewhere in reality

Every number is different

Properties unique to each number

Take a Stand

WHERE COULD A BASED ON WHAT DO YOU THINK?

NUMBER EXIST? INTERACTION?
WHERE DOES MATH COME FROM?
Where does math come from?

Used to give both reason

Math is a product of the
Made-up and order to the world
human mind
around us

Math exists and is only All mathematical ideas We find the properties of
discovered are already in existence each new discovery
 Take a Stand

Why is math everywhere if If all concepts exist, where Does math explain
It is made-up? do they exist? experience?
CAN MATH CHANGE?
 Yes
Relative truths
Assignments of rules to reason

Can Must be true, so doesnt lose meaning

Math Interpretation
Change? No
Discoveries can differ
Leads only to different mathematics
Can exist without opposition
Take a Stand

• Euclidean Geometrys 5th Postulate

Euclid’s five
postulates
Fifth Postulate
 Three
possible
notions of
parallesim
 Three
possible
notions of
parallesim
Hyperbolic Geometry

Nikolai Lobachevsky (developed hyperbolic geometry

independently, sometimes called "Lobachevskian geometry").

János Bolyai (independently developed hyperbolic geometry and

published his results in 1832).

Carl Friedrich Gauss (worked on hyperbolic geometry but chose not

to publish his findings).
 Core Idea:

In hyperbolic geometry, through a given point, there

are infinitely many parallel lines that do not
Hyperbolic intersect a given line.

Geometry
The sum of angles in a triangle is less than 180°.

A model of hyperbolic geometry is the Poincaré disk

model or saddle-shaped surfaces.
Elliptical Geometry (Spherical Geometry)

Bernhard Riemann (1826–1866) → Developed Riemannian geometry,

which describes curved spaces and led to elliptical geometry.

Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855) → Conducted early investigations

into non-Euclidean geometry but did not publish his findings.

Nikolai Lobachevsky (1792–1856) & János Bolyai (1802–1860) → Their

work on non-Euclidean geometries also influenced elliptical geometry.
 Core Ideas:
Elliptical
Geometry In elliptical geometry, parallel lines do not
(Spherical exist because all lines eventually intersect.

Geometry) The sum of angles in a triangle is greater than 180°.

A model of elliptical geometry is the surface of a

sphere (e.g., longitude lines meeting at the poles).
Comparison
of Euclidean,
Elliptical,
and
Hyperbolic
Geometry
Real-World Applications

🔹 Euclidean Geometry

Used in engineering, construction, and everyday

measurements.
Most school-level geometry is based on
Euclidean principles.
Real-World Applications
🔹 Elliptical Geometry

Used in astronomy (describing planetary motion and GPS

systems).
Essential in general relativity, where spacetime curves due to
gravity.
Navigation on Earth—airline routes follow great circles instead of
straight Euclidean paths.
Real-World Applications
🔹 Hyperbolic Geometry

Used in Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, where spacetime

can have hyperbolic curvature.
Appears in biology (some natural structures, like coral growth,
follow hyperbolic patterns).
Used in network science (modeling internet connections and
complex systems).
Conclusion

Use your ideas

Be willing to listen
Know where you about math to
and evolve as a
stand. reflect on
mathematician
students.
 Virtual Reality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztsi0CLxmjw
Is mathematics
invention or
discovery?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_x
R5Kes4Rs
 Axioms

Axioms and postulates form the

bedrock of mathematical
reasoning. These fundamental
statements serve as starting Ancient Greek mathematicians Euclid's Elements (300 BCE)
Historical development of
points for deriving complex truths first formalized axiomatic presented geometry based on
axioms
through logical inference. By reasoning explicit axioms
understanding axioms, we can
construct rigorous proofs and
validate mathematical claims.

19th century saw increased focus 20th century developments Modern mathematics continues
on rigorous axiomatization (real included formal logic and to refine and expand axiomatic
numbers, set theory) axiomatic set theory foundations
What is a Conjecture?

A conjecture is a mathematical statement that is

believed to be true but has not yet been proven.

It is based on observations, patterns, or logical

reasoning, but it remains an unproven hypothesis until
a formal proof (or counterexample) is found.
 Mathematics is the science and study of quality, structure, space,
and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns, formulate new
conjectures, and establish truth by rigorous deduction from
appropriately chosen axioms and definitions.

What is There is debate over whether mathematical objects such as numbers

and points exist naturally or are human creations.
mathemati
cs? Benjamin Peirce called mathematics "the science that draws
necessary conclusions".

Albert Einstein, stated that "as far as the laws of mathematics refer
to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do
not refer to reality."
 What is mathematics?

Through abstraction and logical

reasoning mathematics evolved Rigorous arguments first
Practical mathematics has been
from counting, calculation, appeared in Greek
a human activity for as far back
measurement, and the mathematics, most notably in
as written records exist.
systematic study of the shapes Euclid's Elements.
and motions of physical objects.
 What is
Applied mathematics,
the branch of Mathematicians also
mathematics concerned engage in pure
Today, mathematics is
with application of mathematics, or

mathemati
used throughout the
mathematical mathematics for its own
world as an essential
knowledge to other sake, without having any
tool in many fields,
fields, inspires and application in mind,

cs?
including natural
makes use of new although practical
science, engineering,
mathematical applications for what
medicine, and the social
discoveries and began as pure
sciences.
sometimes leads to the mathematics are often
development of entirely discovered later.
new disciplines.
Why do we teach mathematics?
Why do we The purpose of teaching mathematics depends on how
we define its role in human knowledge and daily life:
teach
mathematics To develop logical thinking and reasoning skills (critical
? thinking, problem-solving).

To prepare students for real-world

applications (science, engineering, economics,
technology).

To foster creativity and exploration (mathematics as an

evolving, dynamic field).

To understand and appreciate mathematical beauty

and structure (patterns, symmetry, aesthetics).
Roles for Philosophy in
Teaching and Learning

Awareness of issues can alert

For the Teacher the T/M to excessively
authoritarian approaches.

Alternative philosophical Philosophical issues can

views can allow the T/M to illuminate the value of and
use and/or develop need for developing a variety
alternatives to traditional of mathematical tools for
approaches. “solving problems”.
 For the Student
Roles for • Helps the student understand the context, goals, and
objectives of the mathematics being studied.
Philosop • Opens the student to considerations of the human

hy in values and assumptions made in developing and

using mathematics.

Teaching • Alerts the student to the use of authority and the

value of different approaches to mathematics.
and
Learning
Reference
s
References

https://www.tntech.edu/cas/math/what-is-mathematics.php