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Full Idea
Quine suggests that V = L be accepted in set theory because it makes for a cleaner theory, even though most set theorists are skeptical of V = L.
Gist of Idea
Quine wants V = L for a cleaner theory, despite the scepticism of most theorists
Source
report of Willard Quine (works [1961]) by Stewart Shapiro - Philosophy of Mathematics Ch.1
Book Ref
Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.29
A Reaction
Shapiro cites it as a case of a philosopher trying to make recommendations to mathematicians. Maddy supports Quine.
9942 | Gödel proved the classical relative consistency of the axiom V = L [Gödel, by Putnam] |
10211 | Quine wants V = L for a cleaner theory, despite the scepticism of most theorists [Quine, by Shapiro] |
13655 | The Löwenheim-Skolem theorems show that whether all sets are constructible is indeterminate [Putnam, by Shapiro] |
9915 | V = L just says all sets are constructible [Putnam] |
13040 | Constructibility: V = L (all sets are constructible) [Kunen] |
13516 | If we accept that V=L, it seems to settle all the open questions of set theory [Hart,WD] |