Single Idea 17964

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 4. Axioms for Number / a. Axioms for numbers]

Full Idea

The laws of calculation and the rules of integers suffice for the construction of number theory.

Gist of Idea

Number theory just needs calculation laws and rules for integers

Source

David Hilbert (Axiomatic Thought [1918], [05])

Book Reference

'From Kant to Hilbert: sourcebook Vol. 2', ed/tr. Ewald,William [OUP 1996], p.1108


A Reaction

This is the confident Hilbert view that the whole system can be fully spelled out. Gödel made this optimism more difficult.