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Single Idea 17808

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 6. Logicism / d. Logicism critique ]

Full Idea

To say that mathematics is logic is merely to replace one undefined term by another.

Gist of Idea

Saying mathematics is logic is merely replacing one undefined term by another

Source

Haskell B. Curry (Remarks on the definition and nature of mathematics [1954], 'Mathematics')

Book Ref

'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.206

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The 3 ideas from Haskell B. Curry

17808

Saying mathematics is logic is merely replacing one undefined term by another [Curry]

17807

To study formal systems, look at the whole thing, and not just how it is constructed in steps [Curry]

17806

It is untenable that mathematics is general physical truths, because it needs infinity [Curry]