Modal-structural mathematics
pp. 307-330
in: Irvine (ed), Physicalism in mathematics, Berlin, Springer, 1990Abstract
Few, if any, would dispute Gauss's metaphor for mathematics as queen of the sciences. Controversy arises only when concrete imagery is suggested. One might imagine the queen as in classical Chinese Tang dynasty representations of Guanyin—erect, robes flowing in regal splendor, isolated in heaven but, notably, lacking any foundational support.