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Single Idea 1616

[from 'On What There Is' by Willard Quine, in 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 7. Formalism ]

Full Idea

The formalism of Hilbert keeps classical maths as a play of insignificant notations. Agreement is found among the rules which, unlike the notations, are quite significant and intelligible.

Gist of Idea

Formalism says maths is built of meaningless notations; these build into rules which have meaning

Source

Willard Quine (On What There Is [1948], p.15)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'From a Logical Point of View' [Harper and Row 1963], p.15