Single Idea 12451

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / g. Applying mathematics]

Full Idea

A large part of the natural laws introduced by science treat only of the mutual relations between the results of counting and measuring.

Gist of Idea

Scientific laws largely rest on the results of counting and measuring

Source

Luitzen E.J. Brouwer (Intuitionism and Formalism [1912], p.77)

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.77


A Reaction

His point, I take it, is that the higher reaches of numbers have lost touch with the original point of the system. I now see the whole issue as just depending on conventions about the agreed extension of the word 'number'.