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Plato and Wittgenstein have very different ideas concerning the nature and function of mathematical propositions. Outline one or more of these differences. Whose account do you consider to be more accurate, and why?

Plato and Wittgenstein possess contrasting views of what mathematics is, and how it can be utilized as a model within philosophy; nevertheless, they both agree that it represents more perfect model of philosophy. Whereas Plato was, perhaps, the first rationalist, Wittgenstein's forceful empiricism has left its indelible mark upon twentieth century philosophy (Biletzki). Plato conceived of mathematics as a scheme of knowledge that originated from observational inputs, but progressed into abstract ideas—these ideas, to Plato, represented the deep or hidden truth that mathematics possessed (Kraut). Wittgenstein, on the other hand, is far more skeptical of the form of knowledge that mathematics is capable of producing; he contends that math and language in innately......

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