Single Idea 8678

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 6. Mathematics as Set Theory / a. Mathematics is set theory]

Full Idea

Most of mathematics can be faithfully redescribed by classical (realist) set theory. More precisely, we can translate other mathematical theories - such as group theory, analysis, calculus, arithmetic, geometry and so on - into the language of set theory.

Gist of Idea

Most mathematical theories can be translated into the language of set theory

Source

Michèle Friend (Introducing the Philosophy of Mathematics [2007], 2.3)

Book Reference

Friend,Michèle: 'Introducing the Philosophy of Mathematics' [Acumen 2007], p.33


A Reaction

This is why most mathematicians seem to regard set theory as foundational. We could also translate football matches into the language of atomic physics.