Philosophy of Mathematics: Philosophy Lesson for Students Aged 8-16 [P4C, Maths, Math, Numeracy]

Boggle brains with this fully resourced philosophy lesson explores the fundamental nature, assumptions, foundations, and implications of mathematics!

This multi-use interactive philosophy lesson explores ‘Philosophy of Mathematics’: the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of mathematical truth, mathematical proof, mathematical evidence, mathematical practice, and mathematical explanation.

This fully resourced philosophy lesson is ideal for teachers who want to explore philosophy of mathematics with students aged 8-16*; we’ve carefully selected the most significant issues and questions relating to philosophy of science so that young learners can engage in fun philosophical discussions and debates. This session explores topics such as:

The nature of mathematics
The unique nature of mathematical knowledge
Theories of mathematics such as logicism, intuitionism and formalism
The link between mathematics and the natural world
The idea that mathematics can be beautiful

The big question asked in this session is “Are mathematical laws invented or discovered?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical questions such as

• What is a number?
• What is the purpose of mathematics?
• To what extent is nature itself governed by mathematical principles, rules and laws?
• Does a mathematical law refer to physical reality or is it only a mental construct with no bearing on reality?
• What is the relationship between scientific knowledge and mathematics?

Students will also analyse and evaluate an eclectic mix of philosophical claims such as:

• “Mathematical knowledge is something we discover entirely through studying the physical world”
• “Numbers never lie”
• “Mathematics is the best way to objectively understand the world”
• “Living a good life depends on an understanding of mathematics” and
• “Mathematics is best understood as being like a game”

This session uses our unique format for philosophy teaching resources and features an integrated menu that allows teachers to select from a variety of starter, main, plenary, assessment and end-of-lesson reflection activities. With a massive selection of activities designed to trigger philosophical discussions, debates and reflections: you can re-use the resource numerous times with the same group.

This resource is especially suitable for teachers of mathematics who are looking to explore the fundamental nature, assumptions, foundations, and implications of mathematics more deeply with students and bring philosophy, philosophical thinking and critical thinking into their maths lessons.