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Mathematical Arguments in Context

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Abstract

Except in very poor mathematical contexts, mathematical arguments do not stand in isolation of other mathematical arguments. Rather, they form trains of formal and informal arguments, adding up to interconnected theorems, theories and eventually entire fields. This paper critically comments on some common views on the relation between formal and informal mathematical arguments, most particularly applications of Toulmin’s argumentation model, and launches a number of alternative ideas of presentation inviting the contextualization of pieces of mathematical reasoning within encompassing bodies of explicit and implicit, formal and informal background knowledge.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium

    Jean Paul Van Bendegem & Bart Van Kerkhove

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  1. Jean Paul Van Bendegem
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  2. Bart Van Kerkhove
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Correspondence to Bart Van Kerkhove.

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Van Bendegem, J.P., Van Kerkhove, B. Mathematical Arguments in Context. Found Sci 14, 45–57 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10699-008-9146-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10699-008-9146-7

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