Single Idea 11044

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / c. Priority of numbers]

Full Idea

One is prior to two because if there are two it follows at once that there is one, whereas if there is one there is not necessarily two.

Gist of Idea

One is prior to two, because its existence is implied by two

Source

Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 14a29)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Categories and De Interpretatione', ed/tr. Ackrill,J.R. [OUP 1963], p.39


A Reaction

The axiomatic introduction of a 'successor' to a number does not seem to introduce this notion of priority, based on inclusiveness. Introducing order by '>' also does not seem to indicate any logical priority.