Single Idea 12488

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / m. One]

Full Idea

Among all the ideas we have, as there is none suggested to the mind by more ways, so there is none more simple than that of unity, or one; ..every idea in our understanding, every thought of our minds brings this idea along with it.

Gist of Idea

The idea of 'one' is the simplest, most obvious and most widespread idea

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.16.01)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.205


A Reaction

What does Locke mean by 'suggested' to the mind? I take it that this phenomenon of psychology (or of reality, if you like) is the foundation of mathematics, making one clearly prior to zero.