First published in 1903, First published in the Routledge Classics in 2010 | Bertrand Russell
The chapter from "Principles of Mathematics" by Bertrand Russell discusses the foundational aspects of mathematics, emphasizing the relationship between mathematics and logic. Russell argues that mathematics and logic are identical, a thesis that was initially unpopular due to the traditional association of logic with philosophy and Aristotle. He addresses two main criticisms: the unsolved difficulties in mathematical logic and the justification of work like Georg Cantor's set theory, which is viewed with suspicion due to its shared paradoxes with logic.
Russell's work is structured into several parts, covering topics such as the indefinables of mathematics, number theory, quantity, order, infinity and continuity, space, matter and motion, and metaphysical considerations. He explores the nature of numbers, the concept of magnitude, the relationship between different types of spaces, and the philosophical implications of mathematical concepts. The chapter also includes appendices discussing Frege's logical and arithmetical doctrines and the doctrine of types.
The introduction to the second edition reflects on the evolution of the subject matter and the improvements in mathematical logic since the book's original publication in 1903. Russell notes that while some of his views have been modified, he still adheres to the fundamental thesis that mathematics and logic are identical. He acknowledges the existence of formalist and intuitionist interpretations of mathematics but maintains his立场 that the logical basis of mathematics is sound and justifies much of the work in the field.The chapter from "Principles of Mathematics" by Bertrand Russell discusses the foundational aspects of mathematics, emphasizing the relationship between mathematics and logic. Russell argues that mathematics and logic are identical, a thesis that was initially unpopular due to the traditional association of logic with philosophy and Aristotle. He addresses two main criticisms: the unsolved difficulties in mathematical logic and the justification of work like Georg Cantor's set theory, which is viewed with suspicion due to its shared paradoxes with logic.
Russell's work is structured into several parts, covering topics such as the indefinables of mathematics, number theory, quantity, order, infinity and continuity, space, matter and motion, and metaphysical considerations. He explores the nature of numbers, the concept of magnitude, the relationship between different types of spaces, and the philosophical implications of mathematical concepts. The chapter also includes appendices discussing Frege's logical and arithmetical doctrines and the doctrine of types.
The introduction to the second edition reflects on the evolution of the subject matter and the improvements in mathematical logic since the book's original publication in 1903. Russell notes that while some of his views have been modified, he still adheres to the fundamental thesis that mathematics and logic are identical. He acknowledges the existence of formalist and intuitionist interpretations of mathematics but maintains his立场 that the logical basis of mathematics is sound and justifies much of the work in the field.