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Single Idea 8701

[from 'Introducing the Philosophy of Mathematics' by Michèle Friend, in 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 7. Mathematical Structuralism / a. Structuralism ]

Full Idea

There is no interest for the mathematician in studying the number 8 in isolation from the other numbers.

Gist of Idea

The number 8 in isolation from the other numbers is of no interest

Source

Michèle Friend (Introducing the Philosophy of Mathematics [2007], 4.4)

Book Reference

Friend,Michèle: 'Introducing the Philosophy of Mathematics' [Acumen 2007], p.93


A Reaction

This is a crucial and simple point (arising during a discussion of Shapiro's structuralism). Most things are interesting in themselves, as well as for their relationships, but mathematical 'objects' just are relationships.