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Single Idea 18186

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 6. Mathematics as Set Theory / a. Mathematics is set theory ]

Full Idea

The identification of geometric points with real numbers was among the first and most dramatic examples of the power of set theoretic foundations.

Gist of Idea

Identifying geometric points with real numbers revealed the power of set theory

Source

Penelope Maddy (Naturalism in Mathematics [1997], I.2)

Book Ref

Maddy,Penelope: 'Naturalism in Mathematics' [OUP 2000], p.26

A Reaction

Hence the clear definition of the reals by Dedekind and Cantor was the real trigger for launching set theory.