Single Idea 10269

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 1. Possibility]

Full Idea

Mathematics has got rid of possibility by simply assuming that, up to isomorphism anyway, all possibilities are simultaneous actual - actual, that is, in the universe of 'sets'.

Gist of Idea

Mathematics eliminates possibility, as being simultaneous actuality in sets

Source

Hilary Putnam (What is Mathematical Truth? [1975], p.70), quoted by Stewart Shapiro - Philosophy of Mathematics 7.5

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.241