Mathematics and ethics : narratives and conversations

Pritchard, David (2026) Mathematics and ethics : narratives and conversations. Journal of Humanistic Mathematics, 16 (1). pp. 76-98. ISSN 2159-8118 (https://doi.org/10.5642/jhummath.QVEL5282)

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Abstract

We provide an eclectic overview of various narratives that mathematicians use to describe mathematics. We discuss some of the ethical issues and approaches that each narrative tends to emphasise, and how these can lead to productive conversation in the absence of a universally agreed philosophical or ethical framework. We also discuss the dangers of a deficit model of ethical engagement, and other threats to conversation.

ORCID iDs

Pritchard, David ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9235-7052;