Some background on the Association for the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice

Over the last few years approaches to the philosophy of mathematics that focus on mathematical practice have been thriving. Such approaches include the study of a wide variety of issues concerned with the way mathematics is done, evaluated, and applied, and in addition, or in connection therewith, with historical episodes or traditions, applications, educational problems, cognitive questions, etc. We suggest using the label “philosophy of mathematical practice” as a general term for this gamut of approaches, open to interdisciplinary work.

In 2009, a group of researchers in this field gathered to promote the creation of the Association for the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice, APMP. This association aims to become a common forum that will stimulate research in philosophy of mathematics related to mathematical activity, past and present, and foster joint actions.

Goals

● Foster the philosophy of mathematical practice, that is, a broad outward-looking approach to the philosophy of mathematics which engages with mathematics in practice (including issues in history of mathematics, the applications of mathematics, cognitive science, etc.).

● Gather a group of interested people that forms a coherent community, and makes us more visible to the wider communities of, e.g., philosophers of science, historians of mathematics, mathematics educationalists, etc.

● Stimulate research in philosophy of mathematics related to mathematics in practice, and enhance our opportunities for developing research projects.

● Facilitate the exchange of information among us in all kinds of ways, and stimulate common projects, meetings, etc.

→ Charter (updated 12 Jan 2020)