Abstract
dc:description.abstractThe principal focus of this research is a comprehensive defence of the theory of strict finitism as a foundation for mathematics. I have three broad aims in the thesis; firstly, to offer as complete and developed account of the theory of strict finitism as it has been described and discussed in the literature. I detail the commitments and claims of the theory, and discuss the best ways in which to present the theory. Secondly, I consider the main objections to strict finitism, in particular a number of claims that have been made to the effect that strict finitism is, as it stands, incoherent. Many of these claims I reject, but one, which focuses on the problematic notion of vagueness to which the strict finites seems committed, I suggest, calls for some revision or further development of the strict finitist’s position. The third part of this thesis is therefore concerned with such development, and I discuss various options for strict finitism, ranging from the development of a trivalent semantic, to a rejection of the commitment to vagueness in the first instance.
Degree
thesis:*- Level dc:type.qualificationlevel
- PhD
- Grantor dc:publisher.institution
- University of Glasgow
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2005
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Mawby, Jim
Subjects
dc:subject × 2Rights
- Language dc:language
- en