Paul Benacerraf

Comments on Reduction (Lecture in a Graduate Seminar ~1975)

There appear to be two kinds of theories on the nature of numbers, distinguished by the way they interpret their results.

Paul Ziff, 1958–1960: A Reminiscence

The following remarks have a personal character that I hope will be forgiven; its justification will lie in any light they might shed on Paul Ziff — and also in some small measure, in the tribute (and gratitude) that they are meant to express. Although presented from a single perspective — the one from which I see best — they give, I think, an objective account of certain important but under-appreciated aspects of a complex man. In this regard, I know that I speak for many.

Comments on Maddy and Tymoczko

My remarks are largely exploratory, and not at all faithful to the title of the symposium; indeed, they skirt most of the fascinating issues discussed by Maddy and Tymoczko. Furthermore, I have no settled position on the issues that I raise. In fact, in a recent paper (Benacerraf 1985) I advance a platonist line much like the one so effectively derided by Tymoczko (and which he has confessed he believes as well). Although I will not argue the point, I do believe this much: they are interesting issues that deserve to be raised and given careful consideration, no matter what their ultimate disposition. I will let the questions speak for themselves.