Single Idea 18271

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 1. Foundations for Mathematics]

Full Idea

It cannot be demanded that everything be proved, because that is impossible; but we can require that all propositions used without proof be expressly declared as such, so that we can see distinctly what the whole structure rests upon.

Gist of Idea

We can't prove everything, but we can spell out the unproved, so that foundations are clear

Source

Gottlob Frege (Grundgesetze der Arithmetik 1 (Basic Laws) [1893], p.2), quoted by J. Alberto Coffa - The Semantic Tradition from Kant to Carnap 7 'What'

Book Reference

Coffa,J.Alberto: 'The Semantic Tradition from Kant to Carnap' [CUP 1993], p.122