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Mathematical Wit and Mathematical Cognition
Author(s) -
Aberdein Andrew
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
topics in cognitive science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.191
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1756-8765
pISSN - 1756-8757
DOI - 10.1111/tops.12020
Subject(s) - cognition , cognitive science , mathematical model , computer science , psychology , cognitive psychology , mathematics , neuroscience , statistics
The published works of scientists often conceal the cognitive processes that led to their results. Scholars of mathematical practice must therefore seek out less obvious sources. This article analyzes a widely circulated mathematical joke, comprising a list of spurious proof types. An account is proposed in terms of argumentation schemes: stereotypical patterns of reasoning, which may be accompanied by critical questions itemizing possible lines of defeat. It is argued that humor is associated with risky forms of inference, which are essential to creative mathematics. The components of the joke are explicated by argumentation schemes devised for application to topic‐neutral reasoning. These in turn are classified under seven headings: retroduction, citation, intuition, meta‐argument, closure, generalization, and definition. Finally, the wider significance of this account for the cognitive science of mathematics is discussed.

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