Single Idea 10578

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 7. Abstract/Concrete / a. Abstract/concrete]

Full Idea

Our knowledge of concreta is a posteriori, but our knowledge of numbers, at least, has often been considered a priori.

Gist of Idea

We are thought to know concreta a posteriori, and many abstracta a priori

Source

Stephen Yablo (Abstract Objects: a Case Study [2002], 02)

Book Reference

-: 'Nous' [-], p.221


A Reaction

Personally I think numbers are rooted in experience, though pure arithmetic has travelled a long way since it started. I doubt whether arithmetic is possible without counting things. I don't think I believe in the 'pure' a priori.