Full Idea
Leibniz's talk of the addition of ones cannot define number, since it cannot be specified how often they are added without using the number itself. Number must be an organic unity of ones, achieved by a single act of abstraction.
Gist of Idea
Number cannot be defined as addition of ones, since that needs the number; it is a single act of abstraction
Source
comment on Gottfried Leibniz (works [1690]) by Kit Fine - Cantorian Abstraction: Recon. and Defence §1
Book Reference
-: 'Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.5
A Reaction
I doubt whether 'abstraction' is the right word for this part of the process. It seems more like a 'gestalt'. The first point is clearly right, that it is the wrong way round if you try to define number by means of addition.
Related Idea
Idea 12920 There is no multiplicity without true units [Leibniz]