Single Idea 14775

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / c. Counting procedure]

Full Idea

Numbers are merely a system of names devised by men for the purpose of counting.

Gist of Idea

Numbers are just names devised for counting

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Scientific Attitude and Fallibilism [1899], II)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.59


A Reaction

This seems a perfectly plausible view prior to the advent of Cantor, set theory and modern mathematical logic. I suppose the modern reply to this is that Peirce may be right about origin, but that men thereby stumbled on an Aladdin's Cave of riches.