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Single Idea 20361

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / a. Units]

Full Idea

We need 'unities' in order to be able to reckon: that does not mean we must suppose that such unities exist.

Gist of Idea

We need 'unities' for reckoning, but that does not mean they exist

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §635)

A Reaction

True. I takes this thought to be important in the Psychology of Metaphysics (an unfashionable branch).

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.338