The Nature of Mathematics – an interview with Professor Karlis Podnieks
| dc.creator | Podnieks, Karlis | |
| dc.creator | Tabak, John | |
| dc.date | 2011-03 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2013-09-02T03:36:20Z | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-07-19T21:12:40Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2013-09-02T03:36:20Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2013-09-02 | |
| dc.description | Many people think that mathematical models are built using well-known “mathematical things” such as numbers and geometry. But since the 19th century, mathematicians have investigated various non-numerical and non-geometrical structures: groups, fields, sets, graphs, algorithms, categories etc. What could be the most general distinguishing feature that would separate mathematical models from non-mathematical ones? I would describe this feature by using such terms as autonomous, isolated, stable, self-contained, and – as a summary – formal. Autonomous and isolated – because mathematical models can be investigated “on their own” in isolation from the modeled objects. And one can do this for many years without any external information flow. Stable – because any modification of a mathematical model is qualified explicitly as defining a new model. No implicit modifications are allowed. Self- contained – because all properties of a mathematical model must be formulated explicitly. The term “formal model” can be used to summarize all these features. | |
| dc.format | application/pdf | |
| dc.identifier | http://scireprints.lu.lv/192/1/Interview_Podnieks_Tabak.pdf | |
| dc.identifier | Podnieks, Karlis and Tabak, John (2011) The Nature of Mathematics – an interview with Professor Karlis Podnieks. In: John Tabak. Numbers: Computers, Philosophers, and the Search for Meaning. Revised edition. Facts on File, USA, pp. 188-197. ISBN 0816049572 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.lu.lv/handle/7/1801 | |
| dc.language.iso | lav | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Facts on File | |
| dc.relation | http://scireprints.lu.lv/192/ | |
| dc.rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess | en_US |
| dc.subject | B Philosophy (General) | |
| dc.title | The Nature of Mathematics – an interview with Professor Karlis Podnieks | |
| dc.type | Book Section | |
| dc.type | NonPeerReviewed |