more from Philip Kitcher

Single Idea 18071

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / a. Units]

Full Idea

We perform a one-operation when we perform a segregative operation in which a single object is segregated.

Gist of Idea

A one-operation is the segregation of a single object

Source

Philip Kitcher (The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge [1984], 06.3)

Book Reference

Kitcher,Philip: 'The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge' [OUP 1984], p.112


A Reaction

This is part of Kitcher's empirical but constructive account of arithmetic, which I find very congenial. He avoids the word 'unit', and goes straight to the concept of 'one' (which he treats as more primitive than zero).