Euler's Konigsberg: the explanatory power of mathematics

被引:9
|
作者
Raez, Tim [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Konstanz, FB Philosophie, D-78457 Constance, Germany
基金
瑞士国家科学基金会;
关键词
Computational complexity; Konigsberg bridges problem; Mathematical explanation; Leonhard Euler; SCIENCE;
D O I
10.1007/s13194-017-0189-x
中图分类号
N09 [自然科学史]; B [哲学、宗教];
学科分类号
01 ; 0101 ; 010108 ; 060207 ; 060305 ; 0712 ;
摘要
The present paper provides an analysis of Euler's solutions to the Konigsberg bridges problem. Euler proposes three different solutions to the problem, addressing their strengths and weaknesses along the way. I put the analysis of Euler's paper to work in the philosophical discussion on mathematical explanations. I propose that the key ingredient to a good explanation is the degree to which it provides relevant information. Providing relevant information is based on knowledge of the structure in question, graphs in the present case. I also propose computational complexity and logical strength as measures of relevant information.
引用
收藏
页码:331 / 346
页数:16
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