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Single Idea 18708

[from 'Lectures 1930-32 (student notes)' by Ludwig Wittgenstein, in 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / a. The Infinite ]

Full Idea

'Infinite' is not an answer to the question 'How many?', since the infinite is not a number. ...Infinity is the property of a law, not of an extension.

Gist of Idea

Infinity is not a number, so doesn't say how many; it is the property of a law

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Lectures 1930-32 (student notes) [1931], A VII.2)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Lectures in Cambridge 1930-32', ed/tr. Lee,Desmond [Blackwell 1980], p.13