Single Idea 18069

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / a. Constructivism]

Full Idea

I construe arithmetic as an idealizing theory.

Gist of Idea

Arithmetic is an idealizing theory

Source

Philip Kitcher (The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge [1984], 06.2)

Book Reference

Kitcher,Philip: 'The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge' [OUP 1984], p.109


A Reaction

I find 'generalising' the most helpful word, because everyone seems to understand and accept the idea. 'Idealisation' invokes 'ideals', which lots of people dislike, and lots of philosophers seem to have trouble with 'abstraction'.