Why numbers are sets
In opposition to the general opinion that there are infinitely many different structures that can play the role of the natural numbers, the author holds that the natural numbers are, in fact, the finite von Neumann ordinals (FVNO). He points out the well-known fact that, in addition to Peano's Postulates, there are other nice properties that will ensure that the structure consists of the natural numbers and he seems to believe that the natural numbers must have those properties, although he gives no justification for that belief. But, beyond this, he claims to give a proof (on pp. 355--356) that the natural numbers are the FVNO. The reviewer was unable to understand this ``proof. Among other things, the author uses the concepts of NN-universe and NN-conditions and asserts various properties of these concepts, but he does not clearly define or explain the concepts.
- On the essence and identity of numbers
- What are numbers?
- scientific article; zbMATH DE number 2182394
- Numbers and their structure. Mathematical and philosophical studies in the ambience of the ideas of natural and real numbers and their non-standard models
- scientific article; zbMATH DE number 4097362
- Towards a theory of singular thought about abstract mathematical objects
- Arithmetic, set theory, reduction and explanation
- scientific article; zbMATH DE number 2182394 (Why is no real title available?)
- scientific article; zbMATH DE number 4097362 (Why is no real title available?)
- Naturalness in mathematics
- On the essence and identity of numbers
- What numbers really cannot be and what they plausibly are
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