more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 14137

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / G. Quantification / 1. Quantification]

Full Idea

The word 'any' is preferable to the word 'all' where infinite classes are concerned.

Gist of Idea

'Any' is better than 'all' where infinite classes are concerned

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Principles of Mathematics [1903], §284)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Principles of Mathematics' [Routledge 1992], p.305


A Reaction

The reason must be that it is hard to quantify over 'all' of the infinite members, but it is easier to say what is true of any one of them.