Single Idea 18254

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

Full Idea

Russell defined the rationals as ratios of integers, and was therefore forced to treat the real number 5/8 as an object distinct from the rational 5/8.

Gist of Idea

Russell's approach had to treat real 5/8 as different from rational 5/8

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (The Principles of Mathematics [1903]) by Michael Dummett - Frege philosophy of mathematics 21 'Frege's'

Book Reference

Dummett,Michael: 'Frege: philosophy of mathematics' [Duckworth 1991], p.271