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Single Idea 12215

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 5. Definitions of Number / c. Fregean numbers]

Full Idea

On saying that a particular number exists, we are not saying that there is something identical to it, but saying something about its status as a genuine constituent of the world.

Gist of Idea

The existence of numbers is not a matter of identities, but of constituents of the world

Source

Kit Fine (The Question of Ontology [2009], p.168)

Book Reference

'Metametaphysics', ed/tr. Chalmers/Manley/Wasserman [OUP 2009], p.168


A Reaction

This is aimed at Frege's criterion of identity, which is to be an element in an identity relation, such as x = y. Fine suggests that this only gives a 'trivial' notion of existence, when he is interested in a 'thick' sense of 'exists'.