Single Idea 15938

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / c. Potential infinite]

Full Idea

The platonist destroys the whole essence of infinity, which lies in the conception of a structure which is always in growth, precisely because the process of construction is never completed.

Gist of Idea

Platonists ruin infinity, which is precisely a growing structure which is never completed

Source

Michael Dummett (Elements of Intuitionism [1977], p.57), quoted by Thomas J. McKay - Plural Predication

Book Reference

Lavine,Shaughan: 'Understanding the Infinite' [Harvard 1994], p.168


A Reaction

I don't warm to intuitionism, but I warm to this conception of infinity. Completed infinities are convenient reifications for mathematicians.