Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Parmenides', 'What Numbers Are' and 'The Scientific Image'

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2 ideas

6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / c. Counting procedure

17812	Finite cardinalities don't need numbers as objects; numerical quantifiers will do [White,NP]
	Full Idea: Statements involving finite cardinalities can be made without treating numbers as objects at all, simply by using quantification and identity to define numerically definite quantifiers in the manner of Frege.
	From: Nicholas P. White (What Numbers Are [1974], IV)
	A reaction: [He adds Quine 1960:268 as a reference]

6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 1. Mathematical Platonism / a. For mathematical platonism

16150	One is, so numbers exist, so endless numbers exist, and each one must partake of being [Plato]
	Full Idea: If one is, there must also necessarily be number - Necessarily - But if there is number, there would be many, and an unlimited multitude of beings. ..So if all partakes of being, each part of number would also partake of it.
	From: Plato (Parmenides [c.364 BCE], 144a)
	A reaction: This seems to commit to numbers having being, then to too many numbers, and hence to too much being - but without backing down and wondering whether numbers had being after all. Aristotle disagreed.