Philosophy of mathematics. Selected writings. Edited by Matthew E. Moore (Q2884787)

Charles Sanders Peirce was undoubtedly a great philosopher, founder of pragmatism and of modern semiotics, and one of the most remarkable philosophers of mathematics. His collected papers were edited by Charles Hartshorne, Paul Weiss, and Arthur Burks and appeared between 1931 and 1958 in no less than eight volumes, a chronological edition of Peirce's writings is worked upon at the moment. In the 1970s -- and long out of print -- Carolyn Eisele edited Peirce's mathematical papers and published them 1976 in a four-volume edition in five books called [\textit{C. S.\ Peirce}, The New Elements of Mathematics. Vol. I: Arithmetic. The Hague - Paris: Mouton Publishers; Atlantic Highlands, N.J.: Humanities Press. (1976; Zbl 0443.01021), Vol. II: Algebra and geometry. (1976; Zbl 0443.01022), Vol. III/1 and vol. III/2: Mathematical miscellanea. (1976; Zbl 0443.01023), Vol. IV: Mathematical philosophy. (1976; Zbl 0443.01024)]. The first volume was dedicated to arithmetic, the second to algebra and geometry, the third contained mathematical miscellanea in two books, and the final fourth volume contained papers dedicated to mathematical philosophy. The papers on Pierce's philosophy of mathematics are also central to the book under review.NEWLINENEWLINE As the editor Matthew E.\ Moore states in the Preface, the purpose of the book under review is to make available Peirce's philosophy of mathematics to workers in the field and students of his thought. It is not pretended as a comprehensive selection but to serve as an introduction to readers having their primary interests elsewhere. The 29 papers contained in this book range from 1895 to 1908 and span from essays on the nature of the mathematics to Peirce's thoughts on infinitesimals and continuity.NEWLINENEWLINE Following the Preface an Introduction by the editor can be found putting the writings of Peirce in a historical perspective and outlining the basic ideas of his philosophical system. Each of the papers following is introduced by remarks necessary for understanding or explaining connections to other writings.NEWLINENEWLINE This book is a gem for everyone interested in Peirce's philosophy of mathematics and may be used as a prerequisite for a deeper journey into his philosophical system.