Single Idea 17423

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / d. Natural numbers]

Full Idea

What is really essential to being a natural number is what is common to the natural numbers in all the functions they perform.

Gist of Idea

The essence of natural numbers must reflect all the functions they perform

Source

Jeffrey H. Sicha (Counting and the Natural Numbers [1968], 2)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophy of Science' [-], p.407


A Reaction

I could try using natural numbers as insults. 'You despicable seven!' 'How dare you!' I actually agree. The question about functions is always 'what is it about this thing that enables it to perform this function'.