Philosophy of mathematics
The absolutism of this ideology means that mathematics
is seen as body of pure objective knowledge, based on reason
and logic, not authority. Thus it is a logically structured body
of knowledge, leading to the view of mathematics as
hierarchical. It is also a system of rigour, purity and beauty,
and hence neutral and value-free, although it has its own
internal aesthetic. Applied mathematics, in contrast, is seen as
an inferior, mere technique, the earthly shadow of and eternal,
celestial body of truth. The roots of this view originate with
Plato, who saw mathematical knowledge in absolute,
transcendental terms as pure, true and good (Brent,1978).