Symbolic Power and Mathematics
Ole Skovsmose · Proceedings of the International Congress of Mathematicians 2010 (ICM 2010) · 2011
Symbolic power will be discussed with reference to mathematics.Two distinctions are pointed out as crucial for exercising such power: one between appearance and reality, and one between sense and reference.These distinctions include a nomination of what to consider primary and what to consider secondary.They establish the grammatical format of a mechanical and formal world view.Through an imposition of such world views symbolic power is exercised through mathematics.This power is further investigated through different dimensions of mathematics in action: (1) Technological imagination which refers to the possibility of formulating technical possibilities.(2) Hypothetical reasoning which addresses consequences of not-yet realised technological initiatives.(3) Legitimation or justification which refers to possible validations of technological actions.(4) Realisation which signifies that mathematics itself comes to constitute part of reality.And (5) dissolution of responsibility, which may occur when issues of responsibility are eliminated from the discourse about technological initiatives and their implications.Finally, it is emphasised that whatever form symbolic power may take, it cannot be addressed along a single good-evil axis.