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Single Idea 10578

[filed under theme 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 7. Abstract/Concrete / a. Abstract/concrete ]

Full Idea

Our knowledge of concreta is a posteriori, but our knowledge of numbers, at least, has often been considered a priori.

Gist of Idea

We are thought to know concreta a posteriori, and many abstracta a priori

Source

Stephen Yablo (Abstract Objects: a Case Study [2002], 02)

Book Ref

-: 'Nous' [-], p.221

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The 4 ideas from 'Abstract Objects: a Case Study'

10577

Concrete objects have few essential properties, but properties of abstractions are mostly essential [Yablo]

10578

We are thought to know concreta a posteriori, and many abstracta a priori [Yablo]

10579

Putting numbers in quantifiable position (rather than many quantifiers) makes expression easier [Yablo]

10580

Mathematics is both necessary and a priori because it really consists of logical truths [Yablo]