Constructivism (mathematics)

:This article is about constructivism in the philosophy of mathematics, not about what is called constructivism in the philosophy of education. For that and other meanings of the word, see constructivism.

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In the philosophy of mathematics, constructivism asserts that it is necessary to find (or "construct") a mathematical object to prove that it exists. When one assumes that an object does not exist and derives a contradiction from that assumption, one still has not found the object and therefore not proved its existence, according to constructivists. See constructive proof.

Related Topics:
Philosophy of mathematics - Constructive proof

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Constructivism is often confused with intuitionism, but in fact, intuitionism is only one kind of constructivism.

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Intuitionism maintains that the foundations of mathematics lie in the individual mathematician's intuition, thereby making mathematics into an intrinsically subjective activity.

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Constructivism does not, and is entirely consonant with an objective view of mathematics.

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