Single Idea 12273

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / a. Units]

Full Idea

They say that the unit [monada] is the starting point of number (and the point the starting-point of a line).

Gist of Idea

Unit is the starting point of number

Source

Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 108b30)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Foster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.329


A Reaction

Yes, despite Frege's objections in the early part of the 'Grundlagen' (1884). I take arithmetic to be rooted in counting, despite all abstract definitions of number by Frege and Dedekind. Identity gives the unit, which is countable. See also Topics 141b9