Single Idea 10271

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 4. Mathematical Empiricism / a. Mathematical empiricism]

Full Idea

Evidently the 'given' underlying mathematics is closely related to the abstract elements contained in our empirical ideas.

Gist of Idea

Basic mathematics is related to abstract elements of our empirical ideas

Source

Kurt Gödel (What is Cantor's Continuum Problem? [1964], Suppl)

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.484


A Reaction

Yes! The great modern mathematical platonist says something with which I can agree. He goes on to hint at a platonic view of the structure of the empirical world, but we'll let that pass.