Arbitrary reference in mathematical reasoning (Q5950502)

The author deals with the status of statements like ``let \(X\) be an arbitrary object of the universe of discourse'' in non-intuitionist mathematics. For intuitionists the existence of an object depends on the possibility to construct it mentally and therefore individual objects in the universe of discourse can be individually referred to. The author claims that also within the classical (realist) conception of mathematics the ideal possibility of referring individually to any object of the universe of discourse is essential. According to Martino this possibility is embodied in the logical concept of an object in classical mathematics. He argues that arbitrary reference is more primitive than reference by description and that it is based on an imaginary choice act. Finally he discusses Russell's ramified type theory in order to make his point more convincing.