Abstract
The aim of this paper is to recall and analyse von Neumann’s position on mathematical and axiomatic physics. It will be argued that von Neumann demanded much less mathematical rigor in physics than commonly thought and that he followed an opportunistically interpreted soft axiomatic method in physics. The notion of opportunistic soft axiomatization is illustrated by recalling his work on the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics.
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Rédei, M. (2005). John von Neumann on Mathematical and Axiomatic Physics. In: Boniolo, G., Budinich, P., Trobok, M. (eds) The Role of Mathematics in Physical Sciences. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3107-6_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3107-6_4
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