Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Explaining a sociological approach to humanistic Mathematics

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author

Zohreh Naghizadeh

Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, Behshahr, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22035/isih.2026.5556.5170
Abstract
Reuben Hersh, an American mathematician and philosopher, presented his humanistic perspective with a critical view of traditional schools of the philosophy of mathematics. This interdisciplinary perspective is considered among the valuable and influential viewpoints of late philosophy, contrasting dominant traditional philosophies. From the point of view of a philosopher of science, he endeavored to connect mathematics to the human world through his influential views. His innovation lies in presenting a picture of the mathematical life—a picture that is evidence that a humanist or social-historical account is truer to real life than traditional accounts. Since humanistic philosophy links mathematics with people, society, and history, the impact of this perspective will play a significant role in revising, refining, and transforming conventional traditional views of mathematics as a mere scientific tool. In this paper, through an analytical-descriptive approach, we aim to trace the footprint of a sociological theory by the American sociologist, Erving Goffman, within Hersh's humanistic perspective—an approach that has the capacity to create an interdisciplinary foundation. Mathematics, like other social institutions, has its "front" and "back. Acceptance of  the mathematical myths that Hersh unveils depends on whether one is located in the front or the  back of mathematics.

Keywords

philosophy of mathematics
humanism
sociological
Erving Goffman

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 03 July 2025
  • Revise Date 17 October 2025
  • Accept Date 30 October 2025

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