TY - JOUR
T1 - Explanation, Understanding, and Definitions in Mathematics
AU - Coumans, Vincent
AU - Frans, Joachim
AU - de Regt, Henk
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Following trends in the study of explanation in mathematics, we look at explanatory definitions. In particular, we build on the work of Lehet, who describes explanatory definitions as those definitions that generate understanding. From this starting point, we investigate what types of understanding are associated with definitions, in order to develop a conception of explanatory definitions. Using the work of Baumberger, we show that definitions can be explanatory in two ways: symbolically or factually. Furthermore, we zoom in on the impact of contextual factors on the explanatory value of definitions.
AB - Following trends in the study of explanation in mathematics, we look at explanatory definitions. In particular, we build on the work of Lehet, who describes explanatory definitions as those definitions that generate understanding. From this starting point, we investigate what types of understanding are associated with definitions, in order to develop a conception of explanatory definitions. Using the work of Baumberger, we show that definitions can be explanatory in two ways: symbolically or factually. Furthermore, we zoom in on the impact of contextual factors on the explanatory value of definitions.
UR - https://poj.peeters-leuven.be/content.php?id=3291072&url=article.php
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85160259683&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2143/LEA.257.0.3291072
DO - 10.2143/LEA.257.0.3291072
M3 - Article
SN - 0024-5836
VL - 257
SP - 79
EP - 99
JO - Logique et Analyse
JF - Logique et Analyse
ER -