more from Stephen Yablo

Single Idea 10579

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 9. Fictional Mathematics]

Full Idea

Saying 'the number of Fs is 5', instead of using five quantifiers, puts the numeral in quantifiable position, which brings expressive advantages. 'There are more sheep in the field than cows' is an infinite disjunction, expressible in finite compass.

Gist of Idea

Putting numbers in quantifiable position (rather than many quantifiers) makes expression easier

Source

Stephen Yablo (Abstract Objects: a Case Study [2002], 08)

Book Reference

-: 'Nous' [-], p.231


A Reaction

See Hofweber with similar thoughts. This idea I take to be a key one in explaining many metaphysical confusions. The human mind just has a strong tendency to objectify properties, relations, qualities, categories etc. - for expression and for reasoning.