Single Idea 16868

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / K. Features of Logics / 1. Axiomatisation]

Full Idea

Science must endeavour to make the circle of unprovable primitive truths as small as possible, for the whole of mathematics is contained in this kernel. The essence of mathematics has to be defined by this kernel of truths.

Gist of Idea

The essence of mathematics is the kernel of primitive truths on which it rests

Source

Gottlob Frege (Logic in Mathematics [1914], p.204-5)

Book Reference

Frege,Gottlob: 'Posthumous Writings', ed/tr. Hermes/Long/White etc [Blackwell 1979], p.204


A Reaction

[compressed] I will make use of this thought, by arguing that mathematics may be 'explained' by this kernel.

Related Ideas

Idea 16869 To create order in mathematics we need a full system, guided by patterns of inference [Frege]

Idea 19292 Logic doesn't split into primitive and derived propositions; they all have the same status [Wittgenstein]