Towards Feminist Alternative Mathematics

• Applicant: Franci Mangraviti, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Theoretical Philosophy
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534806587

The project has two main key objectives. The first is to develop a framework for discussing the notion of "alternative mathematics". This expression has been used to describe many kinds and degrees of variations from contemporary Western classical mathematics, from socio-historical variations to mathematics built on nonclassical logics. However, there is no agreement on many fundamental questions: in which ways can a mathematics be alternative? what counts as a genuine alternative? what implications does the existence of alternatives have for the philosophy of mathematics? what is the relationship between alternatives and revolutions in mathematics? The framework to be developed is meant to provide a solid theoretical basis from which to address these questions and the many associated debates in the literature. The second objective, building on the first one, is to identify possible conceptions of feminist mathematics among alternative mathematics, where - in analogy with contemporary understandings of feminist science and feminist logic - feminist mathematics might be thought of as any mathematics that might help feminist aims, treat feminist subject matters, be generated by underrepresented standpoints, and so on. This will be achieved by clarifying the ways in which feminist logics may or may not support - technically and motivationally - a feminist mathematics; exploring the interaction between alternative mathematics and so-called standpoint or queer epistemologies; and identifying the kind of alternatives required to combat the many varieties of epistemic injustice in which mathematics is involved.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professorin Catharine Saint-Croix