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Single Idea 10201

[from 'Philosophy of Mathematics' by Stewart Shapiro, in 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 1. Mathematics ]

Full Idea

It is well known that virtually every field of mathematics can be reduced to, or modelled in, set theory.

Gist of Idea

Virtually all of mathematics can be modeled in set theory

Source

Stewart Shapiro (Philosophy of Mathematics [1997], Intro)

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.5


A Reaction

The word 'virtually' is tantalising. The fact that something can be 'modeled' in set theory doesn't mean it IS set theory. Most weather can be modeled in a computer.