Single Idea 9616

[catalogued under 4. Formal Logic / F. Set Theory ST / 1. Set Theory]

Full Idea

A set is any collection into a whole M of definite, distinct objects m ... of our intuition or thought.

Gist of Idea

A set is a collection into a whole of distinct objects of our intuition or thought

Source

George Cantor (The Theory of Transfinite Numbers [1897], p.85), quoted by James Robert Brown - Philosophy of Mathematics Ch.2

Book Reference

Brown,James Robert: 'Philosophy of Mathematics' [Routledge 2002], p.22


A Reaction

This is the original conception of a set, which hit trouble with Russell's Paradox. Cantor's original definition immediately invites thoughts about the status of vague objects.