Philosophy of Mathematics Minor
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
- MATH 112 Elementary Statistics or MATH 310 Probability and Statistics – 4 credits
- One course from: 4 credits
- MATH 121 Calculus I
- MATH 122 Calculus II
- MATH 123 Accelerated Calculus
- MATH 225 Multivariable Calculus
- MATH 231 Foundations of Mathematics or MATH 235 Geometry – 4 credits
- 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
- PHIL 310 Ancient Western Philosophy or PHIL 320 Modern Western Philosophy – 4 credits
- PHIL 292 Formal Logic – 4 credits
- PHIL 401 Topics in Contemporary Analytic Philosophy – 4 credits
- MATH 232/PHIL 293 Infinity, Undecidability, Non-computability – 4 credits
Total credit hours required for philosophy of mathematics minor majoring in mathematics – 16 credits
