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Single Idea 10041

[filed under theme 2. Reason / D. Definition / 8. Impredicative Definition ]

Full Idea

Impredicative Definitions are definitions of an object by reference to the totality to which the object itself (and perhaps also things definable only in terms of that object) belong.

Gist of Idea

Impredicative Definitions refer to the totality to which the object itself belongs

Source

Kurt Gödel (Russell's Mathematical Logic [1944], n 13)

Book Ref

'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.455


The 9 ideas from 'Russell's Mathematical Logic'

Impredicative Definitions refer to the totality to which the object itself belongs [Gödel]
In simple type theory the axiom of Separation is better than Reducibility [Gödel, by Linsky,B]
Mathematical Logic is a non-numerical branch of mathematics, and the supreme science [Gödel]
A logical system needs a syntactical survey of all possible expressions [Gödel]
Some arithmetical problems require assumptions which transcend arithmetic [Gödel]
Reference to a totality need not refer to a conjunction of all its elements [Gödel]
Mathematical objects are as essential as physical objects are for perception [Gödel]
Impredicative definitions are admitted into ordinary mathematics [Gödel]
The generalized Continuum Hypothesis asserts a discontinuity in cardinal numbers [Gödel]