PREFACE

Among the features of mathematical thought that most invite the philosopher’s attention is its regimentation of justificatory procedures; its canonization of proof as the preferred form of justification. This regimentation is made the more striking by the fact that it is clearly possible to have other kinds of justification (even some of very great strength) for mathematical propositions; a fact which at least suggests that concern for truth and/or certainty alone cannot account for the prominence given to proof within mathematics. This being so, arriving at some understanding of the nature and role of proof becomes one of the primary challenges facing the philosophy of mathematics. It is this challenge which forms the motivating concern of this volume, and to which it is intended to constitute a partial response (on a variety of different fronts).