Single Idea 22289

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 9. Recursive Definition]

Full Idea

Dedkind gave a rigorous proof of the principle of definition by recursion, permitting recursive definitions of addition and multiplication, and hence proofs of the familiar arithmetical laws.

Gist of Idea

Dedekind proved definition by recursion, and thus proved the basic laws of arithmetic

Source

report of Richard Dedekind (Nature and Meaning of Numbers [1888]) by Michael Potter - The Rise of Analytic Philosophy 1879-1930 13 'Deriv'

Book Reference

Potter,Michael: 'The Rise of Anaytic Philosophy 1879-1930' [Routledge 2020], p.88