Single Idea 17627

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 2. Proof in Mathematics]

Full Idea

It is an apparent absurdity in proceeding ...through many rather recondite propositions of symbolic logic, to the 'proof' of such truisms as 2+2=4: for it is plain that the conclusion is more certain than the premises, and the supposed proof seems futile.

Gist of Idea

It seems absurd to prove 2+2=4, where the conclusion is more certain than premises

Source

Bertrand Russell (Regressive Method for Premises in Mathematics [1907], p.272)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Essays in Analysis', ed/tr. Lackey,Douglas [George Braziller 1973], p.272


A Reaction

Famously, 'Principia Mathematica' proved this fact at enormous length. I wonder if this thought led Moore to his common sense view of his own hand - the conclusion being better than the sceptical arguments?