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Single Idea 10045

[from 'Russell's Mathematical Logic' by Kurt Gödel, in 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / d. Predicativism ]

Full Idea

Impredicative definitions are admitted into ordinary mathematics.

Gist of Idea

Impredicative definitions are admitted into ordinary mathematics

Source

Kurt Gödel (Russell's Mathematical Logic [1944], p.464)

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.464


A Reaction

The issue is at what point in building an account of the foundations of mathematics (if there be such, see Putnam) these impure definitions should be ruled out.