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Inference to the best explanation and mathematical realism

Synthese volume 160, pages 13–20 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Arguing for mathematical realism on the basis of Field’s explanationist version of the Quine–Putnam Indispensability argument, Alan Baker has recently claimed to have found an instance of a genuine mathematical explanation of a physical phenomenon. While I agree that Baker presents a very interesting example in which mathematics plays an essential explanatory role, I show that this example, and the argument built upon it, begs the question against the mathematical nominalist.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto, 1010-35 Charles St. West, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1R6, Canada

    Sorin Ioan Bangu

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  1. Sorin Ioan Bangu
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Correspondence to Sorin Ioan Bangu.

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Bangu, S.I. Inference to the best explanation and mathematical realism. Synthese 160, 13–20 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-006-9070-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-006-9070-8

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