Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Mahaprajnaparamitashastra', 'Regressive Method for Premises in Mathematics' and 'The Powers Metaphysics'

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2 ideas

6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 2. Proof in Mathematics

17627	It seems absurd to prove 2+2=4, where the conclusion is more certain than premises [Russell]
	Full Idea: It is an apparent absurdity in proceeding ...through many rather recondite propositions of symbolic logic, to the 'proof' of such truisms as 2+2=4: for it is plain that the conclusion is more certain than the premises, and the supposed proof seems futile.
	From: Bertrand Russell (Regressive Method for Premises in Mathematics [1907], p.272)
	A reaction: Famously, 'Principia Mathematica' proved this fact at enormous length. I wonder if this thought led Moore to his common sense view of his own hand - the conclusion being better than the sceptical arguments?

6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 4. Mathematical Empiricism / a. Mathematical empiricism

17628	Arithmetic was probably inferred from relationships between physical objects [Russell]
	Full Idea: When 2 + 2 =4 was first discovered, it was probably inferred from the case of sheep and other concrete cases.
	From: Bertrand Russell (Regressive Method for Premises in Mathematics [1907], p.272)