24 ideas
6299 | Axioms are often affirmed simply because they produce results which have been accepted [Resnik] |
6304 | Mathematical realism says that maths exists, is largely true, and is independent of proofs [Resnik] |
13007 | Archimedes defined a straight line as the shortest distance between two points [Archimedes, by Leibniz] |
6300 | Mathematical constants and quantifiers only exist as locations within structures or patterns [Resnik] |
6303 | Sets are positions in patterns [Resnik] |
6295 | There are too many mathematical objects for them all to be mental or physical [Resnik] |
6296 | Maths is pattern recognition and representation, and its truth and proofs are based on these [Resnik] |
6301 | Congruence is the strongest relationship of patterns, equivalence comes next, and mutual occurrence is the weakest [Resnik] |
6302 | Structuralism must explain why a triangle is a whole, and not a random set of points [Resnik] |
22673 | Wherever there is a small community, the association of the people is natural [Tocqueville] |
22676 | The people are just individuals, and only present themselves as united to foreigners [Tocqueville] |
22679 | Vast empires are bad for well-being and freedom, though they may promote glory [Tocqueville] |
22680 | People would be much happier and freer in small nations [Tocqueville] |
22675 | In American judges rule according to the Constitution, not the law [Tocqueville] |
22677 | A monarchical family is always deeply concerned with the interests of the state [Tocqueville] |
22683 | Despots like to see their own regulations ignored, by themselves and their agents [Tocqueville] |
22669 | Aristocracy is constituted by inherited landed property [Tocqueville] |
22674 | In Europe it is thought that local government is best handled centrally [Tocqueville] |
22678 | An election, and its lead up time, are always a national crisis [Tocqueville] |
22682 | Universal suffrage is no guarantee of wise choices [Tocqueville] |
22670 | Slavery undermines the morals and energy of a society [Tocqueville] |
22681 | The liberty of the press is more valuable for what it prevents than what it promotes [Tocqueville] |
22672 | It is admirable to elevate the humble to the level of the great, but the opposite is depraved [Tocqueville] |
22671 | Equality can only be established by equal rights for all (or no rights for anyone) [Tocqueville] |