Philosophy of Mathematics Minor

Coordinators:
Nancy Daukas,

Department of Philosophy


Elwood G. Parker,

Department of Mathematics

The portals to Plato’s academy contained the message (paraphrased): “Let no one enter here who does not know mathematics.” As this quotation suggests, there is a rich history to the connections between mathematics and philosophy. The philosopher-mathematician tradition continues today and can be found in, among others, the theories of Formalism, Intuitionism and Platonism.

Philosophy of mathematics is a cross-disciplinary and cross-divisional minor that investigates the connections between philosophy and mathematics. It is particularly designed as a companion to either a philosophy or mathematics major.

Minor Requirements

The minor requires a minimum of 16 credit hours (four courses).

Required of Philosophy majors

 

1.     MATH 112 Elementary Statistics or MATH 310 Probability and Statistics

4 credits

   

2.     One course from:

4 credits

   

        MATH 121 Calculus I

 

        MATH 122 Calculus II

 

        MATH 123 Accelerated Calculus

 

        MATH 225Multivariable Calculus

 
   

3.     MATH 231 Foundations of Mathematics or MATH 235 Geometry

4 credits

4.     MATH 232/PHIL 293 Infinity, Undecidability, Non-computability

4 credits

   

        Total credit hours required for philosophy of mathematics minor majoring in philosophy

16 credits

   

Required of Mathematics majors

 
   

1.     PHIL 201 Ancient Western Philosophy or PHIL 202 Modern Western Philosophy

4 credits

2.     PHIL 292 Formal Logic

4 credits

3.     PHIL 401 Topics in Contemporary Analytic Philosophy

4 credits

4.     MATH 232/PHIL 293 Infinity, Undecidability, Non-computability

4 credits

   

        Total credit hours required for philosophy of mathematics minor majoring in mathematics

16 credits