Single Idea 12322

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / b. Types of number]

Full Idea

Do we have to confer existence on numbers whose principle is to no longer consist of units?

Gist of Idea

Must we accept numbers as existing when they no longer consist of units?

Source

Alain Badiou (Briefings on Existence [1998], 2)

Book Reference

Badiou,Alain: 'Briefings on Existence', ed/tr. Madarsz,Norman [SUNY 2006], p.53


A Reaction

This very nicely expresses what seems to me perhaps the most important question in the philosophy of mathematics. I am reluctant to accept such 'unitless' numbers, but I then feel hopelessly old-fashioned and naïve. What to do?