Abstract

In the paper I discuss the importance of relativistic hypercomputation for the philosophy of mathematics, in particular for our understanding of mathematical knowledge. I also discuss the problem of the explanatory role of mathematics in physics and argue that relativistic computation fits very well into the so-called programming account. Relativistic computation reveals an interesting interplay between the empirical realm and the realm of very abstract mathematical principles that even exceed standard mathematics and suggests, that such principles might play an explanatory role. I also argue that relativistic computation does not have some of the weaknesses of other hypercomputational models, thus it is particularly attractive for the philosophy of mathematics.