Connecting Humans to Equations A Reinterpretation of the Philosophy of Mathematics

Connecting Humans to Equations: A Reinterpretation of the Philosophy of Mathematics presents some of the most important positions in the philosophy of mathematics, while adding new dimensions to this philosophy. Mathematics is an integral part of human and social life, meaning that a philosophy of mathematics must include several dimensions. This book describes these dimensions by the following four questions that structure the content of the book: Where is mathematics? How certain is mathematics? How social is mathematics? How good is mathematics?

 These four questions refer to the ontological, epistemological, social, and ethical dimension of a philosophy of mathematics. While the ontological and epistemological dimensions have been explored in all classic studies in the philosophy of mathematics, the exploration of the book is unique in its social and ethical dimensions. It argues that the foundation of mathematics is deeply connected to human and social actions and that mathematics includes not just descriptive but also performative features. This human-centered and accessible interpretation of mathematics is relevant for students in mathematics, mathematics education, and any technical discipline and for anybody working with mathematics.

Ole Ravn is currently professor in the Department of Learning and Philosophy at Aalborg University, where he also earned his PhD. His dissertation was titled "Exploring the Borderland. A study on Reflections in University Science Educations". His research interests include philosophical and cross-disciplinary perspectives on mathematics and science. He has contributed to the field of philosophy and education of mathematics, emphasizing the post-modern conditions for knowledge production and the socio-cultural construction of mathematic in general. Ole Ravn has engaged in research and published also in the fields to do with interdisciplinarity, problem-based learning and the construction of knowledge in collaborative learning processes.

Ole Skovsmose has a Master’s Degree 1975 from the University of Copenhagen,. Ph.D 1982 from the Royal Danish School of Educational Studies, and Dr.scient 1995 from Aalborg University. From 1982 he has been associate professor at Aalborg University. From 1996 professor in mathematics education at The Royal Danish School of Educational Studies. During the period 1998-2004, appointed special professor at Nottingham University. Professor at Aalborg University 1999-2009, now professor emeritus. He has a special interest in critical mathematics education and the philosophy of mathematics. He has explored the notions of landscape of investigation, mathematics in action, students’ foreground, and ghettoising. He has been professor at Department of Education, Learning and Philosophy, Aalborg University, Denmark, but is now retired and is living most of his time in Brazil.