Single Idea 1616

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 7. Formalism]

Full Idea

The formalism of Hilbert keeps classical maths as a play of insignificant notations. Agreement is found among the rules which, unlike the notations, are quite significant and intelligible.

Gist of Idea

Formalism says maths is built of meaningless notations; these build into rules which have meaning

Source

Willard Quine (On What There Is [1948], p.15)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'From a Logical Point of View' [Harper and Row 1963], p.15