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Single Idea 22962

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / g. Real numbers]

Full Idea

The least number, without qualification, is the two. …but in magnitude there is no least number, for every line always gets divided.

Gist of Idea

Two is the least number, but there is no least magnitude, because it is always divisible

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 220a227)

A Reaction

Showing the geometrical approach of the Greeks to number. Two is the last number because numbers are for counting, and picking out one thing is not counting.

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics Books III and IV', ed/tr. Hussey,Edward [OUP 1983], p.46