Single Idea 18158

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 5. Numbers as Adjectival]

Full Idea

The basic use of the ordinal numbers is their use as ordinal adjectives, in phrases such as 'the first', 'the second' and so on.

Gist of Idea

Ordinals are mainly used adjectively, as in 'the first', 'the second'...

Source

David Bostock (Philosophy of Mathematics [2009], 9.5.iii)

Book Reference

Bostock,David: 'Philosophy of Mathematics: An Introduction' [Wiley-Blackwell 2009], p.301


A Reaction

That is because ordinals seem to attach to particulars, whereas cardinals seem to attach to groups. Then you say 'three is greater than four', it is not clear which type you are talking about.