Single Idea 8764

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 1. Foundations for Mathematics]

Full Idea

There is a dedicated contingent who hold that the category of 'categories' is the proper foundation for mathematics.

Gist of Idea

Categories are the best foundation for mathematics

Source

Stewart Shapiro (Thinking About Mathematics [2000], 10.3 n7)

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Thinking About Mathematics' [OUP 2000], p.272


A Reaction

He cites Lawvere (1966) and McLarty (1993), the latter presenting the view as a form of structuralism. I would say that the concept of a category will need further explication, and probably reduce to either sets or relations or properties.