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Letter from the Editor

Journal of the ACMS 2004 Inaugural Issue

Mathematics as Rhyme
Vernon Poythress
1981

This paper uses the metaphor of rhyme to address the place of mathematics in our understanding of God’s world.  It argues that mathematics is distinct from other disciplines with its own content and affirms the a priori nature of at least elementary mathematics.  It shows how reductionisms can at times be helpful.  However, it argues that the dominant twentieth century philosophies of mathematics – logicism, formalism, intuitionism, and empiricism - are inadequate reductionisms.  It concludes with a discussion of how an allegorical approach to mathematics can awaken wonder and creativity and can address the issue of meaning in mathematics.

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