Creating new concepts in mathematics: freedom and limitations. The case of Category Theory

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Published: Dec 28, 2020
Keywords:
categories functors Eilenberg-Mac Lane Program mathematical cognitive transgressions phylogeny platonism

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Zbigniew Semadeni
University of Warsaw
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8655-3364

Abstract

In the paper we discuss the problem of limitations of freedom in mathematics and search for criteria which would differentiate the new concepts stemming from the historical ones from the new concepts that have opened unexpected ways of thinking and reasoning.


We also investigate the emergence of category theory (CT) and its origins. In particular we explore the origins of the term functor and present the strong evidence that Eilenberg and Carnap could have learned the term from Kotarbiński and Tarski.

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How to Cite
Semadeni, Z. (2020). Creating new concepts in mathematics: freedom and limitations. The case of Category Theory. Philosophical Problems in Science (Zagadnienia Filozoficzne W Nauce), (69), 33–65. Retrieved from https://zfn.edu.pl/index.php/zfn/article/view/512
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No. 69 (2020): Is logic a physical variable?
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Articles

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