Soviet mathematics and dialectics in the Post-Stalin era: New horizons (Q1604655)

In a provocative study with the subtitle ``new horizons'' the author concludes a tripartite study on Soviet Mathematics and Dialectics, this time on what he calls without distinguishing further periods (such as the Breshnev era) simply the ``post-Stalin period'' (1953-1991). In comparison to his previous studies the author maintains: ``In the post-Stalin era, the exact opposite social valuation of mathematics became preeminent: it was fully recognized that the most advanced and broadest application came from the branches of mathematics heavily preoccupied with the problems of the internal logic of their growth'' (p. 19). Vucinich discusses the reception of cybernetics, mathematical logic and research on ``the foundations of mathematics'' among leading Soviet mathematicians and philosophers and comes to the conclusion that, in spite of continued criticism of Western logical positivism, the concrete results and tendencies of world-mathematics were approvingly received. At the same time this ``did not prevent Soviet scholars from advancing an orientation that was strictly their own'' (p. 28). The author gives as an example ``a distinct Soviet version of constructivism''. The argumentation in this article remains strictly on a non-technical level. Much of the quoted literature sounds convincing. However, only future research, which includes a discussion (missing here) of the concrete political and economic environment (teaching, priorities of applied research), discussions between mathematicians and scientists and among Soviet mathematicians of various specialties, will show whether or not the pendulum of historical analysis has swung here a little bit too far in a direction opposite to traditional assumptions.