Proofs and Refutations: The Logic of Mathematical Discovery (Cambridge Philosophy Classics)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 10/15/2015
EAN 9781107113466, ISBN10: 1107113466
Hardcover, 196 pages, 24.1 x 15.9 x 1.3 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
Imre Lakatos's Proofs and Refutations is an enduring classic, which has never lost its relevance. Taking the form of a dialogue between a teacher and some students, the book considers various solutions to mathematical problems and, in the process, raises important questions about the nature of mathematical discovery and methodology. Lakatos shows that mathematics grows through a process of improvement by attempts at proofs and critiques of these attempts, and his work continues to inspire mathematicians and philosophers aspiring to develop a philosophy of mathematics that accounts for both the static and the dynamic complexity of mathematical practice. With a specially commissioned Preface written by Paolo Mancosu, this book has been revived for a new generation of readers.
Preface to this edition Paolo Mancosu
Editors' preface
Acknowledgments
Author's introduction
Part I
1. A problem and a conjecture
2. A proof
3. Criticism of the proof by counterexamples which are local but not global
4. Criticism of the conjecture by global counterexamples
5. Criticism of the proof-analysis by counterexamples which are global but not local. The problem of rigour
6. Return to criticism of the proof by counterexamples which are local but not global. The problem of content
7. The problem of content revisited
8. Concept-formation
9. How criticism may turn mathematical truth into logical truth
Part II
Editors' introduction
Appendix 1. Another case-study in the method of proofs and refutations
Appendix 2. The deductivist versus the heuristic approach
Bibliography
Index of names
Index of subjects.