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184042

Forms in algebras and their interpretations

some historical and philosophical features

Ivor Grattan-Guinness

pp. 177-190

Abstract

The word "form' has often been used in mathematics, and still is, in various different contexts. Two relatively technical senses (as opposed to very general or passing uses) are of relevance here, and will be noted later: the content-free form of an algebra, as contrasted with its contentual "matter' in a particular case; and form as a central feature of a structuralist philosophy of mathematics.

Publication details

Published in:

Albertazzi Liliana (1999) Shapes of forms: from Gestalt psychology and phenomenology to ontology and mathematics. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 177-190

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-2990-1_8

Full citation:

Grattan-Guinness Ivor (1999) „Forms in algebras and their interpretations: some historical and philosophical features“, In: L. Albertazzi (ed.), Shapes of forms, Dordrecht, Springer, 177–190.