Mathematics discovered, invented, and inherited

Abstract

The classical platonist/formalist dilemma in philosophy of mathematics can be expressed in lay terms as a deceptively naive question: is new mathematics discovered or invented? Using an example from my own mathematical life, I argue that there is also a third way: new mathematics can also be inherited -- and in the process briefly discuss a remarkable paper by W. Burnside of 1900.Comment: Version 2: A few references have been added http://www.borovik.net/selecta