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Single Idea 8647

[from 'Grundlagen der Arithmetik (Foundations)' by Gottlob Frege, in 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 2. Abstract Objects / a. Nature of abstracta ]

Full Idea

To give spatial co-ordinates for the number four makes no sense; but the only conclusion to be drawn from that is, that 4 is not a spatial object, not that it is not an object at all. Not every object has a place.

Gist of Idea

Not all objects are spatial; 4 can still be an object, despite lacking spatial co-ordinates

Source

Gottlob Frege (Grundlagen der Arithmetik (Foundations) [1884], §61)

Book Reference

Frege,Gottlob: 'The Foundations of Arithmetic (Austin)', ed/tr. Austin,J.L. [Blackwell 1980], p.72


A Reaction

This is the modern philosophical concept of an 'object', though I find such talk very peculiar. It sounds like extreme Platonism, though this is usually denied. This is how logicians seem to see the world.