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# What is math?

What is your opinion on the mathematical fictionalism/platonism/nominalism debate? I personally prefer nominalism (I might discuss this further in the comments, though I'm obviously not attempting to prove it here), but I haven't seen any mathematical philosophy that doesn't have some possible holes in its arguments. Thoughts?

Note by Cole Wyeth
3 years ago

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Mathematics with respect to Philosophy. I find the theme very interesting. Want to know more.

What does fictionalism/platonism/nominalism in Mathematics mean?

- 3 years ago

Fictionalism is the belief that math is actually false. Platonists believe in "mathematical objects" so that the statement 2+1=3 means that the object 2 plus the object 1 is 3. Nominalism defines math as it applies to real life, like one thing plus two things is three things.

- 3 years ago