Mathematics and Philosophy

What are numbers? Do they exist? How can we know about them if they are not to be found in the familiar world of space and time that we inhabit? These are just some of the philosophical questions raised by the study of Mathematics. The relationship runs the other way too, Mathematics has helped formalise the study of logical argument that lies at the base of all good philosophy. So it is no surprise that some of the greatest philosophers (for example, Descartes, Leibniz, Frege and Russell) have been mathematicians too. By the end of this programme, you will be able to understand complex and demanding texts, reason intelligently and imaginatively about ethical, metaphysical, and epistemological issues, and have a grasp of the advantages and problems of a wide range of metaphysical and ethical views.

This programme is available with either a Year in China or a Year Abroad. The Year in China offers undergraduate students the opportunity to spend one year at our joint venture, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), following XJTLU's BA China Studies degree classes. XJTLU is a fully English-speaking university, located in Suzhou. The Year Abroad offers students the opportunity to spend a full academic year studying at one of our partner universities around the world, following a mixture of culture and/or discipline-related modules. If you wish to study this programme with a Year in China or a Year Abroad you will have the opportunity to apply after you arrive at Liverpool.

This programme is available with a Year in Industry. Year Three is spent on a paid placement within an organisation in industry, broadly defined. You will be supported by the School of the Arts and the Department throughout, and your reflexive written account of the experience will contribute towards your final degree result.

Please note it is not possible to study both a Year in Industry and a Year Abroad on this programme.