Full Idea
Science must endeavour to make the circle of unprovable primitive truths as small as possible, for the whole of mathematics is contained in this kernel. The essence of mathematics has to be defined by this kernel of truths.
Gist of Idea
The essence of mathematics is the kernel of primitive truths on which it rests
Source
Gottlob Frege (Logic in Mathematics [1914], p.204-5)
Book Reference
Frege,Gottlob: 'Posthumous Writings', ed/tr. Hermes/Long/White etc [Blackwell 1979], p.204
A Reaction
[compressed] I will make use of this thought, by arguing that mathematics may be 'explained' by this kernel.
Related Ideas
Idea 16869 To create order in mathematics we need a full system, guided by patterns of inference [Frege]
Idea 19292 Logic doesn't split into primitive and derived propositions; they all have the same status [Wittgenstein]