more from Immanuel Kant

Single Idea 16920

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / a. Numbers]

Full Idea

Arithmetic forms its own concepts of numbers by successive addition of units in time.

Gist of Idea

Numbers are formed by addition of units in time

Source

Immanuel Kant (Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic [1781], 284)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic', ed/tr. Lucas,Peter G. [Manchester UP 1971], p.39


A Reaction

It is hard to imagine any modern philosopher of mathematics embracing this idea. It sounds as if Kant thinks counting is the foundation of arithmetic, which I quite like.