The ideal of mathematical exactness is strongly paradigmatic for modern science, for which Mathematics practically functions as a metaphysical foundation. This strongly influenced Philosophy. In our century, however, critical voices arise, even from the ranks of scientists. Reflection on the foundations of Mathematics has produced a deeper insight into its nature. The tendency to judge content by structure becomes less predominant. Metaphysics is no longer rejected as only producing constructions with unjustified claims to necessity. This book combines contemporary Philosophy of (...) Mathematics with classical philosophical themes. It replaces the anti-metaphysical tendencies of modern and postmodern Philosophy by an unrestricted horizon of epistemic perspectives. (shrink)

Mathematics and the Mind of God is the synopsis of a leture held at a symposium under this title at the Free University of Amsterdam in 1995. It takes a critical position with respect to the suggestion that there is a shortcut from the exact sciences to theology. It is true that mathematics is the pure form in which the exactness of these sciences can be expressed. The fundamental principle of it, however, the structurability of our world of experience, is (...) not expressible in mathematical form. It belongs to the subject matter of metaphysics, in the sense of rational relation of principles. Mystical experience and theological reflection are even beyond the realm of metaphysics, because they claim to transcend natural human reason. Jumping directly from science to theology therefore gives rise to many misunderstandings which are detrimental to both. (shrink)

Mathematics and the Mind of God is the synopsis of a leture held at a symposium under this title at the Free University of Amsterdam in 1995. It takes a critical position with respect to the suggestion that there is a shortcut from the exact sciences to theology. It is true that mathematics is the pure form in which the exactness of these sciences can be expressed. The fundamental principle of it, however, the structurability of our world of experience, is (...) not expressible in mathematical form. It belongs to the subject matter of metaphysics, in the sense of rational relation of principles. Mystical experience and theological reflection are even beyond the realm of metaphysics, because they claim to transcend natural human reason. Jumping directly from science to theology therefore gives rise to many misunderstandings which are detrimental to both. (shrink)