Q&A: Is There Philosophical Benefit in Studying Mathematics
Is There Philosophical Benefit in Studying Mathematics
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
In your opinion, is there any benefit for the field of philosophy in studying mathematics?
Sorry for my ignorance, but I've never studied mathematics seriously in my life, so I apologize in advance if this is a silly question. I'm interested in whether it could contribute something to me in the realm of thought.
And of course this is a golden opportunity to thank you for your blessed work. I have to share that you are the person who has influenced me most spiritually, and for that I owe you a great deal (despite all my disagreement with many of your ideas… 🙂)
Answer
Mathematics itself is a branch of philosophy—the formal branch. So of course there is value in it. But if you're interested in certain branches, then mathematics may not contribute to them. It depends on your areas of interest.
Discussion on Answer
Definitely. I've written a lot about that. See, for example, columns 434-5 and 385.
Thank you very much.
I'll read them.
I'm interested in the implications of mathematics for epistemology and ontology.
Have you written anything about the reality of mathematical entities? (Whether they are imagination, ideas that exist in some kind of reality, and the like.)