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  • © 2013

The Argument of Mathematics

  • Investigates the relationship between argumentation theory and the philosophy of mathematical practice.
  • Challenges the assumption that there is no role for informal logic in mathematics
  • Offers large array of examples ranging from the history of mathematics to formal proof verification ?
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Logic, Epistemology, and the Unity of Science (LEUS, volume 30)

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Table of contents (18 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-x
  2. Introduction

    • Andrew Aberdein, Ian J. Dove
    Pages 1-8
  3. What are Mathematical Arguments?

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 9-9
    2. Arguments, Proofs, and Dialogues

      • Erik C. W. Krabbe
      Pages 31-45
    3. Argumentation in Mathematics

      • Jesús Alcolea Banegas
      Pages 47-60
    4. Arguing Around Mathematical Proofs

      • Michel Dufour
      Pages 61-76
  4. Argumentation as a Methodology for Studying Mathematical Practice

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 77-77
    2. How Persuaded Are You? A Typology of Responses

      • Matthew Inglis, Juan Pablo Mejía-Ramos
      Pages 101-117
    3. Revealing Structures of Argumentations in Classroom Proving Processes

      • Christine Knipping, David Reid
      Pages 119-146
    4. Checking Proofs

      • Jesse Alama, Reinhard Kahle
      Pages 147-170
  5. Mathematics as a Testbed for Argumentation Theory

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 171-171
    2. Dividing by Zero—and Other Mathematical Fallacies

      • Lawrence H. Powers
      Pages 173-179
    3. Strategic Maneuvering in Mathematical Proofs

      • Erik C. W. Krabbe
      Pages 181-197
    4. Analogical Arguments in Mathematics

      • Paul Bartha
      Pages 199-237
  6. An Argumentational Turn in the Philosophy of Mathematics

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 255-255
    2. Mathematics as the Art of Abstraction

      • Richard L. Epstein
      Pages 257-289
    3. Towards a Theory of Mathematical Argument

      • Ian J. Dove
      Pages 291-308

About this book

Written by experts in the field, this volume presents a comprehensive investigation into the relationship between argumentation theory and the philosophy of mathematical practice. Argumentation theory studies reasoning and argument, and especially those aspects not addressed, or not addressed well, by formal deduction. The philosophy of mathematical practice diverges from mainstream philosophy of mathematics in the emphasis it places on what the majority of working mathematicians actually do, rather than on mathematical foundations.

The book begins by first challenging the assumption that there is no role for informal logic in mathematics. Next, it details the usefulness of argumentation theory in the understanding of mathematical practice, offering an impressively diverse set of examples, covering the history of mathematics, mathematics education and, perhaps surprisingly, formal proof verification. From there, the book demonstrates that mathematics also offers a valuable testbed for argumentation theory. Coverage concludes by defending attention to mathematical argumentation as the basis for new perspectives on the philosophy of mathematics.  ​

Reviews

From the reviews:

“The Argument of Mathematics is an interesting and important resource for philosophers of mathematics who have not much considered alternative kinds of evidence. The points considered by many of the authors and the argumentative structures highlighted in many of the chapters are worth further reflection in works in the epistemology of mathematics. These considerations will play an increasingly important role in future philosophy of mathematics. This welcome volume is a good place to start.” (James Robert Brown and Kevin Kuhl, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, June, 2014)

Editors and Affiliations

  • , Dept. Humanities & Communication, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, USA

    Andrew Aberdein

  • , Department of Philosophy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA

    Ian J Dove

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access