The University of Montana
Department of Mathematical Sciences

Technical report #5/2013

Quasi-empirical reasoning (Lakatos)

Bharath Sriraman
The University of Montana

Nicholas Mousoulides
University of Cyprus

Abstract

This entry examines Lakatos’ assertion that the nature of mathematical knowledge is quasi-empirical, in attempting to describe the growth of mathematical knowledge and its implications for mathematics education.

Keywords: Lakatos; Maverick traditions in the philosophy of mathematics; Fallibilism; Proofs and Refutations; Proof; Philosophy of Mathematics

AMS Subject Classification: 97

Excerpt of article to appear in S. Lerman (Ed), The Encyclopedia of Mathematics Education, Springer Reference Works. Full article unavailable due to publisher embargo. Pdf (174 KB)