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Why numbers are sets
pp. 343-361
Abstract
I follow standard mathematical practice and theory to argue that the natural numbers are the finite von Neumann ordinals. I present the reasons standardly given for identifying the natural numbers with the finite von Neumann's (e.g., recursiveness; well-ordering principles; continuity at transfinite limits; minimality; and identification of n with the set of all numbers less than n). I give a detailed mathematical demonstration that 0 is { } and for every natural number n, n is the set of all natural numbers less than n. Natural numbers are sets. They are the finite von Neumann ordinals.
Publication details
Published in:
(2002) Synthese 133 (3).
Pages: 343-361
Full citation:
Steinhart Eric (2002) „Why numbers are sets“. Synthese 133 (3), 343–361.