Ep. 33 - Do Mathematical Objects Exist? | Dr. Jody Azzouni
About this episode
What are numbers? What are concepts? Do they exist, or do we just act like they exist?
I'm joined by Dr. Jody Azzouni of Tufts University. He's a philosopher who has been arguing for nominalism for years - the idea that numbers and abstract objects don't exist at all.
His position is a wonderful contrast to the previous interviews I've done on this topic, where the guests have been Platonists. My own views sit in-between nominalism and Platonism.
I think abstract objects exist, but they do not exist in a Platonic realm. They exist in our minds. When we stop thinking about them, they stop existing.
Get full access to Steve Patterson's Substack at stevepatterson.substack.com/subscribe
Get every episode summarized
Each time Patterson in Pursuit publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Patterson in Pursuit
Ep. 115 - Simon Dixon on Bitcoin, Epstein, and Whether BTC was Hijacked
Patterson in Pursuit
Pure Reason and the Divinity of Love
Patterson in Pursuit
Theoretical Pluralism and Chess [Narration]
Patterson in Pursuit
Things I Like about Christianity [Narration]
Patterson in Pursuit