A view from lockdown: mathematics discovered, invented, and inherited

TL;DR

This paper explores the philosophical question of whether mathematics is discovered, invented, or inherited, using personal examples from the author's work during COVID-19 lockdown to illustrate the concept of inheriting mathematics.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that mathematics can be inherited, adding a new perspective to the traditional discovery and invention debate in the philosophy of mathematics.

Findings

Mathematics can be inherited, not just discovered or invented.

Personal engagement with mathematical ideas can be enjoyable and enriching.

The author's own mathematical work exemplifies inheritance of mathematical concepts.

Abstract

The classical platonist / formalist dilemma in philosophy of mathematics can be expressed in lay terms as a deceptively naive question: \emph{Is new mathematics discovered or invented? Using examples from my own mathematical work during the Coronavirus lockdown, I argue that there is also a third way: new mathematics can also be inherited. And entering into possession, making it your own, could be great fun.