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Full Idea
The application of a system of numbers is counting and measurement.
Gist of Idea
The application of a system of numbers is counting and measurement
Source
Paul Benacerraf (What Numbers Could Not Be [1965], I)
Book Ref
'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.274
A Reaction
A simple point, but it needs spelling out. Counting seems prior, in experience if not in logic. Measuring is a luxury you find you can indulge in (by imagining your quantity) split into parts, once you have mastered counting.