English

Mathematics: abstraction and reality. A sketch toward deeper analysis

General Mathematics 2016-12-14 v1

Abstract

This paper establishes grounds for deeper exploration into the question of dual nature of mathematics as an abstract discipline and as a concrete science. It is argued, as one of the consequences of the discussion, that the division into "pure" and "applied" mathematics is artificial. The criterion of creativity and applicability outside of the original context is used as a litmus test. It is emphasized that great societies and cultural environments produce great mathematics and individual mathematicians.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1612.04254,
  title  = {Mathematics: abstraction and reality. A sketch toward deeper analysis},
  author = {Radoslav Dimitric},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1612.04254},
  year   = {2016}
}

Comments

11 pages, one figure, 18 references, Paper delivered in the History and Philosophy of Mathematics Seminar at the Mathematics Institute in Belgrade in 1983/84

R2 v1 2026-06-22T17:22:29.079Z