Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Clitophon', 'The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism' and 'De Anima'

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2 ideas

6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / a. Numbers
1729 We perceive number by the denial of continuity [Aristotle]
     Full Idea: Number we perceive by the denial of continuity.
     From: Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 425a19)
     A reaction: This is a key thought. A being (call it 'Parmenides') which sees all Being as One would make no distinctions of identity, and so could not count anything. Why would they want numbers?
6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 1. Foundations for Mathematics
12688 Mathematics is the formal study of the categorical dimensions of things [Ellis]
     Full Idea: I wish to explore the idea that mathematics is the formal study of the categorical dimensions of things.
     From: Brian Ellis (The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism [2009], 6)
     A reaction: Categorical dimensions are spatiotemporal relations and other non-causal properties. Ellis defends categorical properties as an aspect of science. The obvious connection seems to be with structuralism in mathematics. Shapiro is sympathetic.