Published April 2, 2025 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Wittgenstein and concept-extension in mathematics

  • 1. University of Chicago

Description

I begin by attempting to get a perspicuous overview of what Wittgenstein means by saying that a mathematical proof forms concepts. I then distinguish these sorts of cases from those we might call concept-extending proofs, which, rather than introducing new concepts, function to enrich those concepts that have already been given a home in our mathematical practice. At the same time, I also want to argue that the line between these two sorts of proofs is not always clear and will sometimes be blurred. I go on to compare paradigmatic examples of each, concluding with a case in which it is not immediately clear whether we ought to all the proof concept-forming or extending. This last section includes a discussion of Sorin Bangu's recent account of Wittgenstein on mathematical proof.

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Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1111/phin.12457
Other
oai:uchicago.tind.io:14840

UChicago Information

Division(s)
Arts & Humanities Division
Department(s)
Philosophy