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Full Idea
Von Neumann suggested that functions be pressed into service to replace sets.
Gist of Idea
Von Neumann wanted mathematical functions to replace sets
Source
report of John von Neumann (works [1935]) by José A. Benardete - Metaphysics: the logical approach Ch.23
Book Ref
Benardete,José A.: 'Metaphysics: The Logical Approach' [OUP 1989], p.188
3340 | Von Neumann defines each number as the set of all smaller numbers [Neumann, by Blackburn] |
3355 | Von Neumann wanted mathematical functions to replace sets [Neumann, by Benardete,JA] |
22716 | Von Neumann defined ordinals as the set of all smaller ordinals [Neumann, by Poundstone] |