The central concern of the philosophy of mathematics is to give an account of the nature of mathematics. Views of the nature of mathematics are particularly important in the teaching of mathematics, where they can strongly influence the mathematics curriculum as taught to pupils. However, the distinction must be drawn between stated beliefs as to the nature of mathematics and views as inferred from actual classroom practice. In mathematics education there is increasing emphasis on the process (as opposed to the product) view of mathematics. This orientation is snared by a new wave in the philosophy of mathematics, represented in the works of Imre Lakatos, which rejects the traditional product orientation of the philosophy of mathematics for deep philosophical reasons. Thus there is a growing school of thought in the philosophy of mathematics which is able to account for the nature of mathematics in a way which is fruitful for the philosophers, educationists, teachers and students of mathematics alike.