Single Idea 13894

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 5. Definitions of Number / c. Fregean numbers]

Full Idea

We teach our children to count, sometimes with no attempt to explain what the sounds mean. Doubtless it is this habit which makes it so natural to think of the number series as fundamental. Frege's insight is that sameness of number is fundamental.

Gist of Idea

Sameness of number is fundamental, not counting, despite children learning that first

Source

Crispin Wright (Frege's Concept of Numbers as Objects [1983], 3.xv)

Book Reference

Wright,Crispin: 'Frege's Conception of Numbers' [Scots Philosophical Monographs 1983], p.120


A Reaction

'When do children understand number?' rather than when they can recite numerals. I can't make sense of someone being supposed to understand number without a grasp of which numbers are bigger or smaller. To make 13='15' do I add or subtract?

Related Ideas

Idea 13892 One could grasp numbers, and name sizes with them, without grasping ordering [Wright,C]

Idea 13894 Sameness of number is fundamental, not counting, despite children learning that first [Wright,C]