XV—On Consistency and Existence in Mathematics

Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society 120 (3):349-393 (2021)
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Abstract

This paper engages the question ‘Does the consistency of a set of axioms entail the existence of a model in which they are satisfied?’ within the frame of the Frege-Hilbert controversy. The question is related historically to the formulation, proof and reception of Gödel’s Completeness Theorem. Tools from mathematical logic are then used to argue that there are precise senses in which Frege was correct to maintain that demonstrating consistency is as difficult as it can be, but also in which Hilbert was correct to maintain that demonstrating existence given consistency is as easy as it can be.

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Mathematical Pluralism.Edward N. Zalta - 2024 - Noûs 58 (2):306-332.

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References found in this work

Introduction to metamathematics.Stephen Cole Kleene - 1952 - Groningen: P. Noordhoff N.V..
On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem.Alan Turing - 1936 - Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society 42 (1):230-265.
Philosophy of Mathematics: Structure and Ontology.Stewart Shapiro - 2000 - Philosophical Quarterly 50 (198):120-123.
Subsystems of Second Order Arithmetic.Stephen G. Simpson - 1999 - Studia Logica 77 (1):129-129.

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