The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic (Oxford Handbooks)

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Number Of Pages:
Publication Date: 2007-05-04
Sales Rank: 276768
ISBN / ASIN: 0195325923
EAN: 9780195325928
Binding: Paperback
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Studio: Oxford University Press, USA
Average Rating: 5

Mathematics and logic have been central topics of concern since the dawn of philosophy. Since logic is the study of correct reasoning, it is a fundamental branch of epistemology and a priority in any philosophical system. Philosophers have focused on mathematics as a case study for general philosophical issues and for its role in overall knowledge- gathering. Today, philosophy of mathematics and logic remain central disciplines in contemporary philosophy, as evidenced by the regular appearance of articles on these topics in the best mainstream philosophical journals; in fact, the last decade has seen an explosion of scholarly work in these areas. This volume covers these disciplines in a comprehensive and accessible manner, giving the reader an overview of the major problems, positions, and battle lines. The 26 contributed chapters are by established experts in the field, and their articles contain both exposition and criticism as well as substantial development of their own positions. The essays, which are substantially self-contained, serve both to introduce the reader to the subject and to engage in it at its frontiers. Certain major positions are represented by two chapters--one supportive and one critical. The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Math and Logic is a ground-breaking reference like no other in its field. It is a central resource to those wishing to learn about the philosophy of mathematics and the philosophy of logic, or some aspect thereof, and to those who actively engage in the discipline, from advanced undergraduates to professional philosophers, mathematicians, and historians.

Review:

The most concise work on the philosophy of mathematics

Anyone looking for a synopsis on collected essays on this subject need look no further. This is not only because of the relative scarcity of books on this subject. I would say this book will become (if it is not already) the bible of the philosophy of maths, like the book of Hardy is on number theory.
The chapters start in a readable manner also for laymen like me. For these introductions in prose (I mean without logic formulas and math language)alone the book is worth the buy.
I have to admit though that to fully comprehend the details, more advanced maths knowledge is necessary. But everything is there, all the key-figures that played and play a role in the discussion on this subject, and a discussion on what they have done and how their contribution adds to this relatively new field.
Highly recommended, among the works of Shapiro himself.