Skip to content

As far as I know, only a small minority of mathematicians…

“As far as I know, only a small minority of mathematicians, even of those with Platonist views, accept the idea that there may be mathematical facts which are true but unknowable.” quote by Abraham Robinson
Download Open image
“As far as I know, only a small minority of mathematicians, even of those with Platonist views, accept the idea that there may be mathematical facts which are true but unknowable.”

Abraham Robinson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Some mathematical truths may exist without ever being provable, highlighting limits of knowledge.

In simple terms: Some truths are unknowable.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty in mathematics.

Themes

philosophy epistemology mathematics

Mood

analytical curious

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Research theory
  • advanced study
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

Platonism Gödel’s incompleteness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What implications does unknowable truth have for science?
  • How do we handle such limits?
A Different Perspective

Practical work often requires actionable knowledge.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Abraham Robinson

Explore all 5 Abraham Robinson quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes