Abstract Expressionism and the Communication Problem

British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 65 (3):599-620 (2014)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Some philosophers have recently suggested that the reason mathematics is useful in science is that it expands our expressive capacities. Of these philosophers, only Stephen Yablo has put forward a detailed account of how mathematics brings this advantage. In this article, I set out Yablo’s view and argue that it is implausible. Then, I introduce a simpler account and show it is a serious rival to Yablo’s. 1 Introduction2 Yablo’s Expressionism3 Psychological Objections to Yablo’s Expressionism4 Introducing Belief Expressionism5 Objections and Replies5.1 Yablo’s likely response5.2 Charity6 Conclusion

Author's Profile

David Liggins
University of Manchester

Analytics

Added to PP
2012-11-09

Downloads
1,519 (#6,101)

6 months
127 (#23,192)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?