Mathematical induction and its formation during childhood.

Smith, Leslie (2008) Mathematical induction and its formation during childhood. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 31 (6). pp. 669-670. ISSN 0140-525X

Abstract

I support Rips et al.'s critique of psychology through (1) a complementary argument about the normative, modal, constitutive nature of mathematical principles. I add two reservations about their analysis of mathematical induction, arguing (2) for constructivism against their logicism as to its interpretation and formation in childhood (Smith 2002), and (3) for Piaget's account of reasons in rule learning.