I’m on the side of Poincare and Brouwer (and to some degree Hilbert) that cantor

I’m on the side of Poincare and Brouwer (and to some degree Hilbert) that cantor was influential in expanding mathematical fictionalism (platonism), and thereby preventing the reformation of mathematics ( and philosophy) that we saw in the sciences.

This remains unfortunate, since any statement of mathematical fictionalism (platonism) can be stated scientifically (operationally) and therefore these fictions are not only unnecessary but impeded the teaching of math and to some degree pollute the other fields.

Now, for a person trained in mathematics (measurement), this is all very difficult to understand, just as to a philosopher trained in rationalism (non-contradiction) it is very difficult to understand, just as a theologian trained in idealism it is very difficult to understand. We all make excuses for useful fictions.

However, the consequences of useful fictions to humanity is cumulatively profound (expensive).

In fact, I am increasingly convinced that the ‘set’ movement from the 1800’s to the present is not only unnecessary, but harmful on a scale that is unimaginable to all but a few. As Popper said there are not only sources of knowledge, but sources of ignorance, and when we had the opportunity to deflate mathematics and convert it from a philosophy to a science, we failed.

This tragedy becomes more obvious once we realize that according to Bridgman, we might have had an Einstein a century earlier if mathematics had not be mired in platonism (fictionalism).

In my work, I’m increasingly aware that the rise of pseudoscientific economics, our failure to develop strictly constructed law, the loss of a century in philosophy, and the expansion of pseudoscience in physics (multiple worlds), are caused by the failure of mathematics – the most basic (simple) and therefore innovative of the logics – to reform.

Magic is still with us. The enlightenment remains unfinished.