Mathematics Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
“Irrefragability, thy name is mathematics.”
About This Quote
Source Book: From a Logical Point of View, Willard Van Orman Quine, 1953
Mathematics is presented as the ultimate example of something that cannot be disproved.
In simple terms: Math is seen as unassailable.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the certainty math can provide.
Themes
logic
mathematics
philosophy
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- academic research
- teaching
- problem solving
- decision making
Key Concepts
certainty
foundations
proof
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect trust in mathematical models?
- When might certainty be misleading?
A Different Perspective
Mathematical certainty can overlook practical uncertainties.
![“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e0/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_ads_some-have-said-that-the-thesis-of-indete_315688.jpg)
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
