Single Idea 19391

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

Full Idea

The true principle is that we can assign to every object its determined characteristic number.

Gist of Idea

We can assign a characteristic number to every single object

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Towards a Universal Characteristic [1677], p.18)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.18


A Reaction

I add this as a predecessor of Gödel numbering. It is part of Leibniz's huge plan for a Universal Characteristic, to map reality numerically, and then calculate the truths about it. Gödel seems to allow metaphysics to be done mathematically.