The development of mathematics and the birth of phenomenology

Mirja Hartimo

pp. 107-121

in: Mirja Hartimo (ed), Phenomenology and mathematics, Berlin, Springer, 2010

Abstract

The article examines Husserl's view of mathematics as a continuation of Weierstrass's project. While Husserl adopts the more modern axiomatic approach to mathematics as opposed to Weierstrass's genetic approach, he continues to be Weierstrassian in his preoccupation for foundational questions. The latter part of the article examines in what way the outcome is Platonistic in Husserl's own usage of the term. By Platonism Husserl means both a belief in immutable and unchanging ideal structures, as well as, a search for critical justification in reflection. In the latter sense of the term Husserl's "Platonism" can be seen as an outcome of Husserl's Weierstrassian ethos.

Cited authors

Husserl Edmund

Plato