23 ideas
10702 | Set theory's three roles: taming the infinite, subject-matter of mathematics, and modes of reasoning [Potter] |
10713 | Usually the only reason given for accepting the empty set is convenience [Potter] |
9193 | ZF set theory has variables which range over sets, 'equals' and 'member', and extensionality [Dummett] |
9194 | The main alternative to ZF is one which includes looser classes as well as sets [Dummett] |
13044 | Infinity: There is at least one limit level [Potter] |
10708 | Nowadays we derive our conception of collections from the dependence between them [Potter] |
13546 | The 'limitation of size' principles say whether properties collectivise depends on the number of objects [Potter] |
10707 | Mereology elides the distinction between the cards in a pack and the suits [Potter] |
10704 | We can formalize second-order formation rules, but not inference rules [Potter] |
9195 | Intuitionists reject excluded middle, not for a third value, but for possibility of proof [Dummett] |
9186 | First-order logic concerns objects; second-order adds properties, kinds, relations and functions [Dummett] |
10703 | Supposing axioms (rather than accepting them) give truths, but they are conditional [Potter] |
9187 | Logical truths and inference are characterized either syntactically or semantically [Dummett] |
9191 | Ordinals seem more basic than cardinals, since we count objects in sequence [Dummett] |
10712 | If set theory didn't found mathematics, it is still needed to count infinite sets [Potter] |
17882 | It is remarkable that all natural number arithmetic derives from just the Peano Axioms [Potter] |
9192 | The number 4 has different positions in the naturals and the wholes, with the same structure [Dummett] |
13043 | A relation is a set consisting entirely of ordered pairs [Potter] |
13042 | If dependence is well-founded, with no infinite backward chains, this implies substances [Potter] |
13041 | Collections have fixed members, but fusions can be carved in innumerable ways [Potter] |
10709 | Priority is a modality, arising from collections and members [Potter] |
13304 | Learned men gain more in one day than others do in a lifetime [Posidonius] |
20820 | Time is an interval of motion, or the measure of speed [Posidonius, by Stobaeus] |