Single Idea 10090

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / c. Priority of numbers]

Full Idea

It was primarily Dedekind's accomplishment to define the integers, rationals and reals, taking only the system of natural numbers for granted.

Gist of Idea

Dedekind defined the integers, rationals and reals in terms of just the natural numbers

Source

report of Richard Dedekind (Nature and Meaning of Numbers [1888]) by A.George / D.J.Velleman - Philosophies of Mathematics Intro

Book Reference

George,A/Velleman D.J.: 'Philosophies of Mathematics' [Blackwell 2002], p.13

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