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Project
On the Social Roots of Metaphysical Dispositions among Mathematicians (FWOTM1319)
This research investigates the metaphysical dispositions of mathematicians, specifically their
apparent inclination toward mathematical platonism, through the lens of social epistemology. While
philosophers have long debated the nature of mathematical objects, the origins of mathematicians’
metaphysical attitudes remain underexplored. This project aims to determine whether these attitudes
arise independently of formal philosophical arguments and instead emerge from the epistemic norms
of the mathematical community itself.
By applying a social epistemological framework, this study seeks to provide a novel explanation for
the persistence of platonist attitudes among mathematicians. In doing so, it contributes to the
philosophy of mathematical practice and the broader discourse on the formation of epistemic and
metaphysical beliefs. Furthermore, the findings may have implications for mathematical education,
shedding light on how pedagogical methods influence the philosophical perspectives of students and
practitioners alike
apparent inclination toward mathematical platonism, through the lens of social epistemology. While
philosophers have long debated the nature of mathematical objects, the origins of mathematicians’
metaphysical attitudes remain underexplored. This project aims to determine whether these attitudes
arise independently of formal philosophical arguments and instead emerge from the epistemic norms
of the mathematical community itself.
By applying a social epistemological framework, this study seeks to provide a novel explanation for
the persistence of platonist attitudes among mathematicians. In doing so, it contributes to the
philosophy of mathematical practice and the broader discourse on the formation of epistemic and
metaphysical beliefs. Furthermore, the findings may have implications for mathematical education,
shedding light on how pedagogical methods influence the philosophical perspectives of students and
practitioners alike
Date:1 Nov 2025 → Today
Keywords:Social Epistemology, Ontology, Mathematics
Disciplines:Philosophy of mathematics, Metaphysics, Epistemology