Single Idea 14115

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 13. Against Definition]

Full Idea

A definition as an analysis of an idea into its constituents is inconvenient and, I think, useless; it overlooks the fact that wholes are not, as a rule, determinate when their constituents are given.

Gist of Idea

Definition by analysis into constituents is useless, because it neglects the whole

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Principles of Mathematics [1903], §108)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Principles of Mathematics' [Routledge 1992], p.111


A Reaction

The influence of Leibniz seems rather strong here, since he was obsessed with explaining what creates true unities.