Naturalism in Mathematics

Naturalism in Mathematics investigates how the most fundamental assumptions of mathematics can be justified. One prevalent philosophical approach to the problem--realism--is examined and rejected in favour of another approach--naturalism--which attends more closely to practical considerations drawn from within mathematics itself. Penelope Maddy defines naturalism, explains the motivation for it, and shows how it can be successfully applied in set theory. Her clear, original discussion is informed by current work in both philosophy and mathematics, and will be accessible and enlightening to readers from both disciplines.