Work

Is strict finitism arbitrary?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Strict finitism posits a largest natural number. The view is usually thought to be objectionably arbitrary. After all, there seems to be no apparent reason as to why the natural numbers should ‘stop’ at a specific point and not a bit later on the natural line. Drawing on how arguments from arbitrariness are employed in mereology, I propose several ways of understanding this objection against strict finitism. No matter how it is understood, I argue that it is always found wanting.

Source: The Philosophical Quarterly

DOI: 10.1093/pq/pqae093

Author: Nuno Maia

Institution: University of Salzburg

Language: English

Topic: History and Theory of Mathematics

Subfield: Theoretical Computer Science

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,279

Funders: Austrian Science Fund, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia