TY - CHAP
T1 - A performative interpretation of mathematics
AU - Skovsmose, Ole
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - Inspired by a performative interpretation of language, a performative interpretation of mathematics is suggested. According to this interpretation, any form of mathematics is intrinsically linked to potential or actual actions. This interpretation is elaborated upon with respect to both advanced mathematics and school mathematics. It is highlighted that any kind of mathematics exercises a symbolic power, which brings to the forefront the ethical dimension of a philosophy for mathematics. Any kind of action is in need of ethical reflections and so specifically are mathematics-based actions. The ethical reflections concern the possible impact of mathematics, the different groups of people that might be affected by such actions, the possible acting subjects that might be hidden behind the curtain of mathematics, and the possible intentions behind the action and the ethical reflections themselves. Taken together, ethical reflections concern how symbolic acts rooted in mathematics might form our life-worlds.
AB - Inspired by a performative interpretation of language, a performative interpretation of mathematics is suggested. According to this interpretation, any form of mathematics is intrinsically linked to potential or actual actions. This interpretation is elaborated upon with respect to both advanced mathematics and school mathematics. It is highlighted that any kind of mathematics exercises a symbolic power, which brings to the forefront the ethical dimension of a philosophy for mathematics. Any kind of action is in need of ethical reflections and so specifically are mathematics-based actions. The ethical reflections concern the possible impact of mathematics, the different groups of people that might be affected by such actions, the possible acting subjects that might be hidden behind the curtain of mathematics, and the possible intentions behind the action and the ethical reflections themselves. Taken together, ethical reflections concern how symbolic acts rooted in mathematics might form our life-worlds.
KW - Ethical reflection
KW - Formalism
KW - Intuitionism
KW - Life-world
KW - Logicism
KW - Mathematics in action
KW - Performative interpretation of language
KW - Performative interpretation of mathematics
KW - Philosophy of mathematical practice
KW - Symbolic power
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85194129068&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-031-35209-6_14
DO - 10.1007/978-3-031-35209-6_14
M3 - Book chapter
AN - SCOPUS:85194129068
SN - 9783031352089
SP - 269
EP - 292
BT - Ongoing Advancements in Philosophy of Mathematics Education
PB - Springer
ER -