Redeeming Mathematics: A God-Centered Approach (Vern S. Poythress)

Description

What does God have to do with mathematics?

Everything.

In this book, Vern Poythress argues that the harmony of abstract mathematical truths, the physical world of things, and the personal world of our thinking depends on the existence of the Christian God. Poythress shows that these distinct “perspectives” on mathematics cohere because all three find their origin in God’s consistent character and nature.

Whether it’s simple addition and subtraction or more complex mathematical concepts such as set theory and the nature of infinity, this fascinating book lays a theistic foundation for all mathematical inquiry.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why God?

Part 1: Basic Questions

God and Mathematics

The One and the Many

Naturalism

The Nature of Numbers

Part 2: Our Knowledge of Mathematics

Human Capabilities

Necessity and Contingency

Part 3: Simple Mathematical Structures

Addition

The Idea of What Is Next

Deriving Arithmetic from Succession

Multiplication

Symmetries

Sets

Part 4: Other Kinds of Numbers

Division and Fractions

Subtraction and Negative Numbers

Irrational Numbers

Imaginary Numbers

Infinity

Part 5: Geometry and Higher Mathematics

Space and Geometry

Higher Mathematics

Appendix A: Secular Theories about the Foundations of Mathematics

Appendix B: Christian Modifications of Philosophies of Mathematics

Appendix C: Deriving Arithmetic

Appendix D: Mathematical Induction

Appendix E: Elementary Set Theory

Endorsements

“Redeeming Mathematics is a valuable addition the growing literature on the relationship between mathematics and Christian belief. Poythress’s treatment of three distinct dimensions of mathematics—as transcendent abstract truths, as part of the physical world, and as comprehensible to human beings—is a unique and helpful addition to the conversation on this relationship. The book is accessible to non-specialists, but even those who are well-versed in these matters will find much to interest and challenge them.” 

-- James Bradley, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Calvin College; author, Mathematics Through the Eyes of Faith; Editor, Journal of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences

Product Details

Author: Vern S. Poythress

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 208

Size: 15.3 cm x 23 cm

Weight: 0.5 kg

ISBN: 9781433541100

Published: January 31, 2015