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Wittgenstein on string figures as mathematics: A modern ethnological approach to the limits of empiricism.

  • Published In: Philosophical Investigations, 2023, v. 46, n. 2. P. 135 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: English, Andrew 3 of 3

Abstract

Wittgenstein's 'ethnological approach' to the philosophy of mathematics, in particular his discussion of calculation as an experiment and the limits of empiricism in mathematics, is presented against three interrelated backdrops: (1) James' critique of Spencer's evolutionary empiricism, specifically regarding necessary truths; (2) the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits, led by Haddon and Rivers, whose Reports implicitly confuted Spencer; and (3) the subsequent work of Malinowski, especially his supplement to Ogden and Richards' The Meaning of Meaning, a book sent to Wittgenstein upon its publication in 1923. String figures as mathematics is a main illustrative example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Philosophical Investigations. 2023/04, Vol. 46, Issue 2, p135
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Science
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0190-0536
  • DOI:10.1111/phin.12363
  • Accession Number:162203320
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Philosophical Investigations is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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