Single Idea 17518

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / d. Counting via concepts]

Full Idea

If we count the concept 'coin in this box', we could regard coin as the 'unit', while taking 'in this box' to limit the scope. Counting coins in two boxes would be not a difference in unit (kind of object), but in scope.

Gist of Idea

Counting 'coin in this box' may have coin as the unit, with 'in this box' merely as the scope

Source

M.R. Ayers (Individuals without Sortals [1974], 'Counting')

Book Reference

-: 'Canadian Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.139


A Reaction

This is a very nice alternative to the Fregean view of counting, depending totally on the concept, and rests more on a natural concept of object. I prefer Ayers. Compare 'count coins till I tell you to stop'.