Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

137 | Justin Clarke-Doane on Mathematics, Morality, Objectivity, and Reality

Mar 8, 2021

01:32:50

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Justin Clarke-Doane, an associate professor of philosophy at Columbia University, delves into the philosophical ties between mathematics and morality. He argues that, despite their differences, both fields share profound connections regarding reality and objectivity. The discussion navigates through topics like mathematical truths, the twin primes conjecture, and the moral implications of social conventions. Clarke-Doane encourages listeners to reconsider how ethical beliefs align with mathematical reasoning, enhancing our understanding of both disciplines.

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Quick takeaways

The podcast explores the complex parallels between mathematics and morality, highlighting how both realms grapple with concepts of reality and objectivity.

Listeners learn that while mathematics is often viewed as definitive, it too shares subjective complexities, much like moral judgments that provoke ongoing philosophical debate.

The episode emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in philosophy, suggesting that connecting fields like ethics and mathematics can lead to richer insights into human thought.

Deep dives

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Intro

4min

Morality Meets Mathematics

7min

Exploring Twin Primes and Mathematical Truths

10min

Cooking Basics and Philosophical Insights

2min

Exploring Logic and Mathematical Truths

18min

Exploring Realism and Logic in Mathematics

5min

The Battle of Realities: Mathematics and Morality

24min

Exploring the Nature of Morality and Objective Truth

5min

Navigating Moral Complexities

21min

On a spectrum of philosophical topics, one might be tempted to put mathematics and morality on opposite ends. Math is one of the most pristine and rigorously-developed areas of human thought, while morality is notoriously contentious and resistant to consensus. But the more you dig into the depths, the more alike these two fields appear to be. Justin Clarke-Doane argues that they are very much alike indeed, especially when it comes to questions of “reality” and “objectivity” — but that they aren’t quite exactly analogous. We get a little bit into the weeds, but this is a case where close attention will pay off.

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Justin Clarke-Doane received his Ph.D. in philosophy from New York University. He is currently Associate Professor of philosophy at Columbia University, as well as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and Adjunct Research Associate at Monash University. His book Morality and Mathematics was published in 2020.

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