Beauty, Truth, and Being

2019 ◽  
pp. 147-157
Author(s):  
Dmitri Nikulin
Keyword(s):  
Geometrical Figure ◽  
Mathematical Objects

Chapter 9 discusses Proclus’ concepts of truth and beauty in mathematics, science, and ontology. He accepts both Plato’s claim in the Philebus that the good is present in the thinkable in beauty, truth, and symmetry, as well as Aristotle’s assertion that beauty is exemplified in mathematics through order, symmetry, and definiteness. Proclus then demonstrates that in mathematical objects beauty transpires in four ways: in the beautiful shape of a sensible reproduction of a geometrical figure; in the beauty of the perfect geometrical figure existing in the intelligible matter of the imagination; in the mathematical object’s definition, with all its properties becoming explicit in constructions and demonstrations by discursive reasoning; and in the beauty of the form in the intellect. On this account, science brings the knowledge, beauty, and goodness of its objects to completion within the unity of the intellect.

Multi-dimensional Visualisation of Laboratory Findings and Functional Test Results for Analysing the Clinical Course of Disease in Medicine

1995 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 302-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Luz ◽  
W. Giere ◽  
R. Lüdecke ◽  
D. Jonas ◽  
A. J. W. Goldschmidt
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Course ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Geometrical Figure ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Course Of Disease ◽  
Quantitative Examination ◽  
Ward Rounds ◽  
Patient’S History ◽  
Graphical Primitive ◽  
Computerized Medical Record

Abstract:The illustration of a patient’s history by a graphical primitive is discussed. Illustration technology is presented which simultaneously represents quantitative examination findings (e. g., laboratory values) and qualitative findings (e. g., from function diagnostics) by a single geometrical figure. Depending on the medical results, this figure takes on characteristic forms which can be identified as patterns typical for a specific disease. The procedure developed is integrated in a user interface which is implemented in the form of a computerized medical record for use on a pentop computer. This portable computer assists the physician during ward rounds, supplies additional, intelligence-based information, serves quality control, and streamlines working procedures making them more efficient.

A Reductio Ad Surdum? Field on the Contingency of Mathematical Objects

Mind ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 103 (410) ◽  
pp. 169-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
BOB HALE ◽  
CRISPIN WRIGHT
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Objects

Why is the learning of elementary arithmetic concepts difficult? Semiotic tools for understanding the nature of mathematical objects

2010 ◽  
Vol 77 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 247-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan D. Godino ◽  
Vicenç Font ◽  
Miguel R. Wilhelmi ◽  
Orlando Lurduy
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Objects

A Belief Expressionist Explanation of Divine Conceptualist Mathematics

Metaphysica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Peano Arithmetic ◽  
Ontological Status ◽  
Mathematical Objects ◽  
Divine Mind ◽  
Epistemological Uncertainty

Abstract Many have pointed out that the utility of mathematical objects is somewhat disconnected from their ontological status. For example, one might argue that arithmetic is useful whether or not numbers exist. We explore this phenomenon in the context of Divine Conceptualism (DC), which claims that mathematical objects exist as thoughts in the divine mind. While not arguing against DC claims, we argue that DC claims can lead to epistemological uncertainty regarding the ontological status of mathematical objects. This weakens DC attempts to explain the utility of mathematical objects on the basis of their existence. To address this weakness, we propose an appeal to Liggins’ theory of Belief Expressionism (BE). Indeed, we point out that BE is amenable to the ontological claims of DC while also explaining the utility of mathematical objects apart from reliance upon their existence. We illustrate these themes via a case study of Peano Arithmetic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document