E tu, Brute? The Varieties of Caesar Problems
Paul Talma

Abstract:
This thesis discusses the Caesar Problem for Neo-Logicist philosophies of mathematics. After developing the philosophical and technical background for Neo-Logicism in chapter 1, I articulate three versions of the Caesar Problem in chapter 2 and critically examine two lines of response to the problem in chapter 3. I argue that the Caesar Problem splinters into an epistemic problem, a problem of semantic indeterminacy, and a problem of linguistic understanding. I also argue that the third problem is the most stringent one. I consider the most influential line of response to the problem, developed by Hale and Wright, and argue that while it resolves the problem of semantic indeterminacy satisfactorily, it offers an overintellectualized response to the other two problems. I also consider a recent line of response to the Caesar Problem, which I dub indeterminism. Although indeterminism is promising, I highlight a number of areas which need to be developed before the solution can be considered satisfactory.