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Single Idea 8310

[from 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' by E.J. Lowe, in 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 1. Mathematical Platonism / b. Against mathematical platonism ]

Full Idea

Does it really matter whether the numbers actually exist - in anything like the way in which it matters that space and time or persons actually exist?

Gist of Idea

Does the existence of numbers matter, in the way space, time and persons do?

Source

E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 10.6)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.223


A Reaction

Nice question! It might matter a lot. I take the question of numbers to be a key test case, popular with philosophers because they are the simplest and commonest candidates for abstract existence. The ontological status of values is the real issue.