Mathematics of law: problem statement

The subject of the article comprises the theoretical and methodological foundations for studying the process of applying mathematical methods in law. Taking into account the modern trend towards interdisciplinarity characteristic of "post-nonclassical" science, as well as the active development of information technologies inherently linked to mathematics, the author raises the question of the possibility, necessity, and peculiarities of theoretical research on the application of mathematical methods in legal studies. The author pays attention to both general studies already conducted on the application of mathematical methods in law and works of a more specific nature, i.e., those related either to the application of individual mathematical methods in law or to the use of mathematics in specific legal areas. The author also addresses the application of mathematics in shaping the immediate content of legal prescriptions. Furthermore, the author emphasizes the essence, characteristics, and needs of law in order to determine the necessity of conducting such research. The methodology of the research is based on the dialectical general scientific method. Among the general scientific methods, special attention is given to synthesis and induction, as general theoretical conclusions are drawn from specific manifestations of the use of mathematical methods in law. Among specific scientific methods, the author primarily used the formal-legal method, which was applied for interpreting legal prescriptions. As a result of the research, the author arrives at the following conclusions. Considering the significant benefits of applying mathematical methodology to the legal sphere, as well as the particularities of law as a social phenomenon, the author concludes that there is both a possibility and necessity for the application of mathematics in the legal field, and thus a need for a scientific justification of such application. After examining specific cases of applying mathematical methods in law, the author concludes that the application of mathematics in law is not limited to individual mathematical methods or specific legal areas; therefore, it is impossible to be satisfied with only partial studies on this topic. This issue needs to be examined at a general theoretical level. Moreover, the author concludes that there are two potential directions for general theoretical research in the use of mathematics in law: general methodological and legal-technical. In conclusion, the author points out the necessity of distinguishing a separate comprehensive sphere of legal knowledge: the mathematics of law, and provides his own definition of it.