Epistemology and rationality of intuition and imagination in the field of mathematics

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to the clarification of the role of mathematical intuition and imagination in the constitution of mathematical knowledge, evidencing its epistemological and procedural characteristics. For that, an "epistemology of intuition and imagination" in the field of mathematics is outlined (suggested) emphasizing the need to adopt a dynamic conception of mathematics. In this context, intuition and imagination present themselves as forms of mathematical experience that give access, through paths that are not purely logical, to mathematical knowledge. Its epistemological and rationality characteristics, a rational of a non-logical nature, are highlighted by several examples, resources for moving the ideas involved. The epistemological study of intuition and imagination also allows highlighting its ontology, constituted of more relations than objects. From the pedagogical point of view, we discuss the formative character of philosophical studies involving intuition and imagination, mainly related to creativity in mathematics.

Keywords: Mathematical knowledge; Mathematical experience; Epistemology of intuition and imagination; Creativity in mathematics.