Course module NWI-FFIL300C Credits (ECTS) 3 Category MA (Master) Language of instruction English Offered by Radboud University; Faculty of Science; Institute for Science, Innovation and Society; Lecturer(s) Coordinator dr. L. Consoli Other course modules lecturer Examiner dr. L. Consoli Other course modules lecturer Lecturer dr. L. Consoli Other course modules lecturer Contactperson for the course dr. L. Consoli Other course modules lecturer Lecturer V.J.W. Coumans Other course modules lecturer Academic year 2019 Period KW4   (13/04/2020 to 30/08/2020) Starting block KW4 Course mode full-time Remarks - Registration using OSIRIS Yes Course open to students from other faculties Yes Pre-registration No Waiting list No Placement procedure -

	Aims After the course, you are able to explain several important issues from the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice. After the course, you are able to explain the main schools of thought from the Philosophy of Mathematics. After the course, you are able to critically reflect on mathematical practices. After the course, you are able to formulate and motivate questions and your opinion on topics from the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice. After the course, you are able to write a philosophical essay on a topic from the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice. Content Philosophy of Mathematics at the start of the 20th century focused on questions like ‘What is a mathematical object?’ and ‘How can we know mathematical truth?’. Even though they are interesting in their own right, these questions were not directly relevant for those conducting actual mathematical research. Algebraic topology flourishes regardless of whether numbers are mental constructs or formal entities devoid of meaning or objects in a realm independent of space and time. As a response to this foundational tradition, several Mathematicians and Philosophers of Mathematics started zooming in to what working mathematicians (and mathematics students) were actually doing. This resulted in the field Philosophy of Mathematical Practice.   In this course we will discuss several topics from the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice (PMP) and we will relate this to the students’ experience with mathematics. Basically, the goal is that students focus in this course on the why of mathematics and reflect on their activities as mathematicians and on the accepted methods in mathematics in general. This also involves discussing the material with peers.   The course starts with an introductory lecture in which we also give a rough overview of main schools of thought from the foundational Philosophy of Mathematics. Then we will treat a different topic from the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice each week. The list of topics includes, but is not limited to: The role of visualization in mathematics The role of informal proofs in mathematics Mathematical beauty Mathematical explanation Mathematical definitions   In addition to the afore mentioned material, we will also devote some time to the question on how to write a proper essay. This will give you clear handles for the final assignment.     Level Presumed foreknowledge Bachelor or minor in Mathematics. Test information Group paper (100%) Specifics Test information Group paper (100%) Prerequisites Bachelor or minor in Mathematics.
	Required materials Blackboard Will be made available through Brightspace. Instructional modes Cursusgebeurtenissen Attendance Mandatory Yes Lecture Attendance Mandatory Yes Tests FInal Result Test weight 1 Opportunities Block KW4, Block KW4