Higher Education Commons^™

Mathematics And Values: Can Philosophy Guide Projects?, Michael H. Veatch

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

The philosophy of mathematics has provided insight on questions of foundations and mathematical truth; however, it has not been very fruitful in guiding the practice of mathematics. This paper attempts to find points of contact between a Christian worldview and the choice of mathematical projects and methods. Three areas are considered: (i) dubitability in current research, (ii) the intrinsic value of contemporary mathematics to contemporary society, and (iii) the affirmation of human value in the use of mathematics. Finally, a framework for valuing mathematics is proposed as an encouragement to think more deeply about how a Christian might choose a …