Abstract
There are many axioms, theorems and constructions in mathematics the role of which is to guarantee the existence of certain mathematical objects. (For instance, an axiom: there exists an infinite set; a theorem: every angle has a bisector; a construction: the construction of the rational numbers as equivalence classes of pairs of integers.) These will be discussed from philosophical, mathematical and psychological points of view. Some consequences to the instruction of topics
involving existence statements and constructions will be drawn.
involving existence statements and constructions will be drawn.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 752-756 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | American Mathematical Monthly |
| Volume | 89 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| State | Published - 1982 |
| Externally published | Yes |