more from Thomas Hofweber

Single Idea 21665

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / f. Arithmetic]

Full Idea

The prime numbers are more fundamental than the even numbers, and than the composite non-prime numbers. The result that all numbers uniquely decompose into a product of prime numbers is called the 'Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic'.

Gist of Idea

The fundamental theorem of arithmetic is that all numbers are composed uniquely of primes

Source

Thomas Hofweber (Ontology and the Ambitions of Metaphysics [2016], 13.4.2)

Book Reference

Hofweber,Thomas: 'Ontology and the Ambitions of Metaphysics' [OUP 2018], p.329


A Reaction

I could have used this example in my thesis, which defended the view that essences are the fundamentals of explanation, even in abstract theoretical realms.