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| 17606 | Axioms reveal the underlying assumptions, and reveal relationships between different areas |
| Full Idea: The axiomatic method ....revealed precisely what assumptions underlie each branch [of mathematics] and made possible the comparison and clarification of the relationships of various branches. | |||
| From: Morris Kline (Mathematical Thought from Ancient to Modern Times [1972], p.1027), quoted by Penelope Maddy - Defending the Axioms 1.3 | |||
| A reaction: I take this to be the 'fruitfulness' which marks out the discovery of the essence of something. |