Single Idea 17901

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 6. Logicism / b. Type theory]

Full Idea

If a is an individual and b is a set of individuals, then in the theory of types we cannot talk about the set {a,b}, since it is not an individual or a set of individuals, ...but it is hard to see what harm can come from it.

Gist of Idea

Type theory prohibits (oddly) a set containing an individual and a set of individuals

Source

A.George / D.J.Velleman (Philosophies of Mathematics [2002], Ch.3)

Book Reference

George,A/Velleman D.J.: 'Philosophies of Mathematics' [Blackwell 2002], p.47