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Single Idea 18161

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 6. Mathematics as Set Theory / b. Mathematics is not set theory ]

Full Idea

The theory of classes is completely superfluous in mathematics. This is connected with the fact that the generality required in mathematics is not accidental generality.

Gist of Idea

The theory of classes is superfluous in mathematics

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 6.031)

Book Ref

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.59

A Reaction

This fits Russell's no-class theory, which rests everything instead on propositional functions.