Plato’s Heaven: A User’s Guide is an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and James Robert Brown, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. This conversation addresses a central theme in current philosophy: Platonism vs. Naturalism and provides accounts of both approaches to mathematics. The Platonist-Naturalist debate over mathematics is explored in a comprehensive fashion and also sheds light on non-mathematical aspects of a dispute that is central to contemporary philosophy.
Thought experiments stand as a fascinating challenge to the necessity of data in the empirical sciences. Are these experiments, conducted uniquely in our imagination, simply rhetorical devices or communication tools or are they an essential part of scientific practice? This book also surveys the current state of this debate and explores new avenues of research into the epistemology of thought experiments.
This conversation has been produced in a carefully-edited video format. Please use the contact form if you’d like to get access. We’ve also created an enhanced book developed from the conversation, while James R. Brown is featured in 2 short documentaries as well – all details are below.
“Ideas Roadshow is a marvel, and is much needed at a time when intellectual life is being dumbed down. The variety and depth of programs is unsurpassed, and the quality of discussion between Howard and his guests is outstanding.” – James R. Brown
This enhanced book is available in electronic format on all major booksellers, including:
Plato’s Heaven: A User’s Guide is part of the 5-part Ideas Roadshow Collection, Conversations About Philosophy, Volume 1, which is available in hardcover, paperback and electronic format.
James Robert Brown is featured in 2 short documentaries together with a wide range of other renowned researchers, including Susan Wolf, Mark Bevir, Freeman Dyson, Artur Ekert, Scott Soames and Pat Churchland.
