more from Stephen Yablo

Single Idea 10580

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 6. Logicism / c. Neo-logicism]

Full Idea

Mathematics seems necessary because the real contents of mathematical statements are logical truths, which are necessary, and it seems a priori because logical truths really are a priori.

Gist of Idea

Mathematics is both necessary and a priori because it really consists of logical truths

Source

Stephen Yablo (Abstract Objects: a Case Study [2002], 10)

Book Reference

-: 'Nous' [-], p.237


A Reaction

Yablo says his logicism has a Kantian strain, because numbers and sets 'inscribed on our spectacles', but he takes a different view (in the present Idea) from Kant about where the necessity resides. Personally I am tempted by an a posteriori necessity.