Program
Title: The Euclidean programme
Abstract: The Euclidean Programme embodies a traditional sort of epistemological foundationalism, according to which knowledge—especially mathematical knowledge—is obtained by deduction from self-evident axioms or first principles. This talk, based on my book of the same name with Wesley Wrigley, will offer a detailed examination of Euclidean foundationalism, which, following Lakatos, we call the Euclidean Programme. In the talk, I will rationally reconstruct the programme’s key principles, showing it to be an epistemological interpretation of the axiomatic method. I will then assess the programme, exploring whether various areas of contemporary mathematics conform to it.
Location: Salle de réunion de l’Institut Jean Nicod, Rez-de-chaussé, Pavillon Jardin, 29 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris
Further reading: No reading is required prior to the talk. However, if you would like to prepare for the talk or go deeper afterwards, you may consult:
Alexander Paseau and Wesley Wrigley (2024). The Euclidean Programme, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
AHP Session Fall 2025: Sean Walsh (UCLA) - November 4, 2PM
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Location: TBA
Title: TBA
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Organizers
Acknowledgement and Support
The workshop is funded by by the Institut d’Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques (IHPST), the Institut Jean Nicod (IJN) and the Archives Henri Poincaré (AHP).