Single Idea 21493

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / C. Ontology of Logic / 3. If-Thenism]

Full Idea

The pure mathematician deals exclusively with hypotheses. Whether or not there is any corresponding real thing, he does not care.

Gist of Idea

Pure mathematics deals only with hypotheses, of which the reality does not matter

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (works [1892], CP5.567), quoted by Albert Atkin - Peirce 3 'separation'

Book Reference

Atkin,Albert: 'Peirce' [Routledge 2016], p.104


A Reaction

[Dated 1902] Maybe we should identify a huge branch of human learning as Hyptheticals. Professor of Hypotheticals at Cambridge University. The trouble is it would have to include computer games. So why does maths matter more than games?