137 | Justin Clarke-Doane on Mathematics, Morality, Objectivity, and Reality
Mar 8, 2021
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Justin Clarke-Doane, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University, explores the unexpected relationship between mathematics and morality. He argues that both fields grapple with objectivity and reality, despite their apparent differences. The discussion dives into the complexities of moral objectivity, the nature of mathematical truths, and intriguing concepts like the mathematical multiverse. By examining the philosophical links between ethical reasoning and mathematical principles, Clarke-Doane reveals surprising parallels that challenge conventional wisdom in both domains.
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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The Complexity of Morality
The discussion reveals that the nature of morality is notoriously intricate and challenging, involving deep philosophical questions surrounding ethics. Unlike mathematical truths, where consensus can often be reached, moral judgments lack agreement, leading to various interpretations of right and wrong. This difficulty is compounded by the lack of universally accepted methodologies for evaluating moral truths, causing confusion in decision-making processes. The episode draws attention to how society grapples with moral dilemmas, underscoring that understanding morality requires continual exploration and reflection.
Mathematics and Morality: A Surprising Analogy
Listeners learn that mathematics may not be as definitive and universally agreed upon as it is often perceived; even established mathematical truths can be subject to philosophical debate. The podcast posits an intriguing analogy between the nuances of mathematics and ethics, suggesting that both domains could reflect subjective realities rather than objective truths. This comparison challenges listeners to reconsider their assumptions about the certainty of mathematical statements versus moral claims. The guest philosophers argue that while math might seem fixed and rigorous, it also shares complexities with moral questions, revealing inherent uncertainties in both fields.
The Nature of Mathematical Realism
Mathematical realism, as articulated in the episode, posits that mathematical entities exist independently of human thought and cultural conventions. The guests explain that this position raises philosophical inquiries about the existence of mathematical objects, akin to the existence of moral facts. While some might argue against mathematical realism, the discussion explores various perspectives on whether numbers and mathematical truths are as real as physical entities. The complexity arises in understanding how these mathematical truths fit within the broader framework of reality, especially when viewed through the lens of moral philosophies.
Disentangling Morality from Action
The conversation emphasizes that knowing moral truths does not inherently dictate what actions individuals ought to take in specific situations. This distinction illustrates that moral decisions are influenced by personal, societal, and contextual factors that cannot be predetermined merely by moral reasoning. The idea that moral realism should not be conflated with prescriptive action is explored, suggesting a need for deeper engagement with moral philosophy in practical contexts. The importance of understanding the deliberative process behind moral actions is identified as key to navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
Interdisciplinary Connections in Philosophy
Finally, the guests advocate for reviving interdisciplinary dialogue in philosophy, particularly linking areas like ethics and mathematics that traditionally remain siloed. They promote the value of such conversations for enriching philosophical understanding and broadening the scope of inquiry. The episode suggests that bringing together different fields can spark innovative ideas and lead to deeper insights regarding human thought and knowledge. Ultimately, the guests encourage philosophers to engage with various domains actively, highlighting the potential benefits of cross-disciplinary exploration.
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.
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.
