Single Idea 13002

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / K. Features of Logics / 1. Axiomatisation]

Full Idea

To reduce the number of axioms is always something gained.

Gist of Idea

It is always good to reduce the number of axioms

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], 4.06)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'New Essays on Human Understanding', ed/tr. Remnant/Bennett [CUP 1996], p.407


A Reaction

This is rather revealing about the nature of axioms. They don't have any huge metaphysical status - in fact one might say that their status is epistemological, or even pedagogic. They enable us to get out minds round things.