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Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

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Published on: April 4, 2016

Circularity, indispensability, and mathematical explanation in science.

¹Department of Philosophy, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, 19081, USA.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science

|June 27, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The Enhanced Indispensability Argument (EIA) faces circularity objections in supporting mathematical platonism. However, this paper argues that mathematical explanations in science are not inherently circular.

Keywords:

Circularity Indispensability Mathematical explanation Platonism

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Area of Science:

Philosophy of Mathematics
Philosophy of Science

Background:

The Enhanced Indispensability Argument (EIA) is a key argument for mathematical platonism.
A significant objection to the EIA is its alleged circularity.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate the circularity objection against the Enhanced Indispensability Argument.
To determine if circularity is an unavoidable feature of mathematical explanations in science.

Main Methods:

Philosophical analysis of the structure of mathematical explanations in scientific contexts.
Examination of the relationship between mathematical concepts and the identification of explananda.

Main Results:

The circularity objection against the EIA is serious and can undermine its support for mathematical platonism.
Mathematical explanations in science do not necessarily presuppose the truth of specific mathematical theories, thus avoiding circularity.

Conclusions:

While the circularity objection is valid in some cases, it does not render the Enhanced Indispensability Argument fundamentally flawed.
Mathematical explanations can be genuine without being circular, preserving a potential foundation for mathematical platonism.