Mostrar texto completo49 páginas
Página 1
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)STEWARD.
AN ANALYSIS OF QUINE’S “ONTOLOGICAL REDUCTION AND
THE WORLD OF NUMBERS”
ABSTRACT. A
detailed analysis of Quine's paper on ontological reduction shows that the
proxy-function requirement, in his characterization of the concept of ontological reduction, is superfluous for blocking Pythagoreism and inappropriate for a general blockade of
ontological monism.
l.
INTRODUCTION
A short answer to the question “What has Quine contributed on the issue of ontological reduction?” could possibly be as follows:' Quine has
introduced the demand for the so-called “proxy function” to strengthen
a concept of reduction, which asks for a mapping of the sentences of a
language £1, which are true in the structure to be reduced, to sentences
of a language £2, which are true in the reducing structure, preserving the
predicate-logical structure of the sentences. A proxy function is a mapping
from the universe to be reduced in the reducing universe such that each
basic predicate of the language £; applies to a n-tuple of entities from the
universe to be reduced if, and only if, the n-tuple of entities of the reducing
universe, assigned by the proxy function, satisfies the £2-formula assigned
to the £,-predicate. Thereby Quine blocked the argument for Pythagoreism (the assumption of natural numbers as the universal ontology), which
was based on the weaker concept of reduction, and uses the downward
Löwenheim-Skolem-Theorem, because such a proxy function cannot be
found for every universe.
Who has ever read Quine’s paper “Ontological Reduction and the
World of Numbers” will readily note that I just gave an enriched (by a few
\
\
\D
SW.AN, Doso
words) and more or less intelligible paraphrasing of what Quine himself
formulated, in a much more concise and elegant form, as “the standard of
reduction”:
The standard of reduction ofa theory (/ to a theory #’ can now be put as follows. We specify
a function, not necessarily in the notation of # or 6’, which admits as arguments all objects
in the universe of Y and takes values in the universe of 4’. This is the proxy function.
Erkenntnis 53: 195-218, 2000.
© 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands.
Mast ed
Página 2
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)Author(s): Edward N. Zalta
Source: Erkenntnis (1975-), Vol. 53, No. 1/2, Concepts of Reduction in Logic and Philosophy
(2000), pp. 219-265
Published by: Springer
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20013013 .
Accessed: 09/02/2011 06:37
Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at .
http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless
you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you
may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use.
Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained at .
http://www.jstor.org/action/showPublisher?publisherCode=springer. .
Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed
page of such transmission.
JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of
content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms
of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.
Springer is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Erkenntnis (1975-).
http://www.jstor.org
Página 3
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD N. ZALTA
NEO-LOGICISM? AN ONTOLOGICAL REDUCTION OF
Die
nat?rlichen
der Rest
Zahlen
hat
der
liebe
Gott
Leopold
It is now well
proper
axioms
logical
notions
gemacht,
istMenschenwerk.
is false. The primitive
that logicism
accepted
theories are not reducible
of mathematical
Kronecker
notions
and
to primitive
the idea underlying
and logical axioms. Even
logicism
to be somewhat problematic,
for if the existence
claims of math?
are to be reducible
seem that the
to logical truths, then it would
appears
ematics
of objects of some kind. Though a case
logicist has to assert the existence
can, and has, been made for thinking that logic can contain or imply ex?
is at least controversial
claims, the matter
a
as
to
whether
of mathematics
reduction
question
istence
and so there is at least a
to a logic with
existence
a reduction
to logic.
of mathematics
thesis which may
however, we defend a philosophical
some
of
of
the
Our
thesis
is
that
mathematical
preserve
spirit
logicism.
are
abstract
to) the
(reducible
objects systematized
by a cer?
objects just
claims would
constitute
In this paper,
tain axiomatic, mathematics-free
to be a version of mathematical
a certain
much
simple
and
intuitive
more
metaphysical
platonism,
theory. This thesis appears
for if correct, it would make
about mathematics
position
philosophical
that mathematics
a realm of ab?
describes
rigorous, namely,
are
two
in
there
which
the present view
Nevertheless,
ways
The first is that the comprehension
constitute a kind of neo-logicism.
stract objects.
might
principle for abstract objects that forms part of the metaphysical
theory can
as a principle
be reformulated
that 'looks and sounds' like an analytic,
if
not logical,
principle
we
shall not argue here that the reformulated
ana?
have argued that principles
other philosophers
truth. Although
is analytic,
to it are. The
is that the abstract objects
systematized
by
some sense, logical objects. By offering a
in
theory are,
reduction of mathematical
objects to logical objects, the present view may
us
a
new
with
kind of logicism.
thereby present
logous
the metaphysical
To establish
already
in place.
second
our
thesis, we need two elements,
The first element
is the axiomatic,
the first of which
metaphysical
JUL Erkenntnis 53: 219-265, 2000.
W\
?
2000
Kluwer
Academic
Publishers.
Printed
in the Netherlands.
theory
Página 4
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
of abstract
the background
described
objects. We shall employ
ontology
of
the
axiomatic
abstract
in
Zalta
(1983)
theory
by
objects developed
and (1988).l The axioms of this theory can be stated without
appealing
or notions of any kind; one of these axioms
to mathematical
primitives
is a comprehension
assert
explicitly
The second
for abstract objects
the instances
of such objects.
required for our thesis is this: we must
principle
the existence
element
for an arbitrary mathematical
of the terms and predicates
as denoting
a sense
theory T,
of T which
there
is a precise
(a) analyzes
of which
show
that
interpretation
these
expressions
in the background
and (b) defines
objects
ontology,
the theorems of T are true. This second element has
abstract
in which
In Zalta
in previous work.
and
(1983) and Linsky
only been sketched
was de?
of the language of mathematics
Zalta (1995), a basic analysis
the previous work by offering amuch
veloped. The present paper advances
more
detailed
account
of reference
and truth with
respect
to mathematical
with reference, we explicitly
identify the steps
terms and relation symbols
of an
the well-defined
In connection
language.
required to interpret
arbitrary mathematical
denote unique ab?
theory so that those expressions
stract individuals
in our background
and abstract relations,
respectively,
In
4.
with truth,
in
connection
Section
This
task
is
accomplished
ontology.
we
use
under which
objects to state the conditions
are
true.
This task is accomplished
theories
section of the paper (Section 7), we make several
the theory of abstract
the theorems of mathematical
in Section
6. In the final
the present
the extent to which
and we briefly consider
a kind of neo-logicism.
axiomatic
'0',
theory of abstract objects, henceforth
about our work
observations
view
constitutes
Our background
has been developed
in both a modal
and a type-theoretic
setting and these
two manifestations
of the theory have been applied in numerous ways. The
and in the applica?
abstract individuals,
modal version of 0 axiomatizes
Platonic
the laws governing
forms,
possible worlds,
and natural numbers
(among other things) have been
the language of fiction and belief has been given a precise
tions of this theory,
Leibnizian
concepts,
derived
and
interpretation.
the abstract objects of
typed version of 0 axiomatizes
asserts
that for each logical type
logical type. This version
The
every simple
indi?
relation among
of object (e.g., individual,
property of individuals,
relation
of
of
individuals,
viduals, property
among properties
properties
of individuals,
etc.), there are abstract objects of that type (in addition to
ordinary objects of that type).
ory, such things as the Fregean
and relations
of rejected
of this type the?
applications
of predicates,
the fictional properties
In the various
senses
scientific
theories, mathematical
properties
Página 5
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)relations
have all
being prime), and mathematical
(e.g., set membership)
been identified as particular abstract properties and abstract relations.2
Now
it might be thought that all of these applications
of 0 involve a
reduction. But, in fact, this is not the case. It is
single kind of ontological
that there are two distinct kinds of ontological
very important to recognize
that can be constructed
reduction
within
0. We
shall call
these classical
and metaphysical
reductions,
- we
follows
establish
This distinction
is critical to
respectively.
the main
thesis of this paper by developing
of the objects of mathematical
theories to the
what
a metaphysical
reduction
of our metaphysics.
objects
In order to distinguish
text of 0,
and metaphysical
in the con?
reductions
to mention
first that in classical
the
reductions,
theories
the axioms of some theory T are derived as
classical
it is important
reduction
is between
theorems
of 0.
In the case of metaphysical
it ismore
reductions, however,
to say that the objects of a theory T are reduced to the objects
perspicuous
of 0. (We shall precisely
define 'object of theory 7" in Section 3.)
Now various philosophers
have described
the basic idea of a classical
as
a
to a theory T just in case all
reduction
follows:
theory S is reducible
of the non-logical
notions of S can be explicitly defined in T in such a way
are theorems
that the translations of the theorems of S (via the definitions)
of T ? We
can recast
by saying
that S is reducible
in language more
this definition
to T just in case
to logicians
of S constitute a
familiar
the theorems
extension of T. This definition gives us the basic
subtheory of a definitional
sense of reduction that the logicist might have used to claim that the proper
axioms
idea was
of mathematics
are reducible
to the theorems of logic. The logicist
by a set of analytically-true
logical ax?
T
is
reducible
Then, a mathematical
theory
that a logic L is defined
ioms and rules of inference.
to L just in case the primitive
terms and predicates
of T are definable
in
the language of L and the proper theorems of T (when translated into the
language of L) become
logical theorems of L. Of course, as mentioned
that the primitive notions or proper
earlier, probably no one now believes
axioms and theorems of mathematical
in this way to
theories are reducible
the primitive
notions
and axioms
of logic.
briefly to mention
It is important to digress
gicians have introduced a variety
notions
of reduction
tions as relative
between
of much
more
the fact
that modern
lo?
and fine-grained
explicit
theories T and S. They have defined
such no?
reduction, model-theoretic
interpretability,
proof-theoretic
and even axiomatized
notions of reduction.4 However,
these
reduction,
more fine-grained
notions of reducibility will not play a role in what fol?
lows. Although
the classical
reductions available
in 0 are all instances of
Página 6
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
relative interpretations,
of a classical
reduction
it should become
apparent that the above definition
for the purposes of this paper.
some classical
reductions
that are avail?
should
suffice
1, we shall rehearse
see that the primitive
in 0. We'll
In Section
able
N. ZALTA
world
theory,
language of 0
and Dedekind/Peano
of situation
notions
number
and that the proper
in terms of these explicit
theory
theory, possible
can be defined
in the
these notions can be
governing
definitions
and) derived as theorems of
axioms
(couched
as we mentioned
to classical
0. However,
earlier, we shall not be appealing
the main thesis of this paper.
reductions of any kind to establish
a new kind of onto?
Instead, we shall defend our thesis by developing
reduction. The additional
logical reduction which we call metaphysical
resources
to develop
make
it
0
this
by
ontological
provided
possible
and essentially
different kind of reduction. We'll
spend
of the paper preparing
the ground for, and developing
preponderance
distinctive
reductions.
amples of, metaphysical
arbitrary mathematical
The
will
the
ex?
that, for an
identifies both
show
examples
reduction
theory T, a metaphysical
terms and predicates
the reference of the well-defined
of T and preserves
a sense in which
the theorems of T are true. More
0 will
specifically,
in which we
theoretical
framework
provide us with a mathematics-free
can precisely
abstract
individuals
and
abstract
relations.
Certain
specify
of abstracta simply objectify
the roles that mathematical
in?
specifications
once
we
T.
extend
So
dividuals and relations play in amathematical
theory
0 by adding the terms and predicates
of T and by adding the analytic
truths which
mathematical
of T are alleged
to play
in T, we'll
be able
objects
to theoretically
identify those
of an arbitrary mathe?
their objectified
roles. The theorems
T
will
then
have
theory
compositionally
specifiable
with
objects
matical
on which
individuals
they (the theorems)
and relations of 0
will
therefore
abstract
individuals
ical reductions
distinctive
the reason
So
neither
that every mathematical
abstract
individuals
readings in 0
turn out to be true. Moreover,
the abstract
figure into these readings. Our metaphys?
show
that each mathematical
and abstract
classical
grained notions of reduction
is that if the view developed
show
the role that the mathematical
articulate
theory
is about
relations.
reductions
nor
the other more
fine?
role in what follows
will play a significant
reductions will
here is correct, metaphysical
own
kinds of
about
its
distinctive
is
theory
and/or abstract
relations.
From
the point of view of on?
of language, then, there may be no metaphysical
tology and the philosophy
reason to investigate
these other kinds of reduction of one mathematical
there are still math?
theory to another mathematical
theory. Of course,
ematical
reasons
reduction
as they apply
to investigate
classical
tomathematical
and more
theories,
notions of
fine-grained
to assess the
for example,
Página 7
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)power of certain theories in various ways and to understand
the various ways in which one mathematical
theory might be distinguished
as a foundation
But even if one mathematical
for the rest of mathematics.
mathematical
theory from (in) which all other math?
theory emerges as the foundational
or as that in which all other
ematical theories can be derived (interpreted),
can be modeled,
it doesn't follow that those other
are just theories of or about the objects described by
theory, at least not if we can show that each mathematical
mathematical
theories
mathematical
theories
the foundational
kind of mathematical
individuals
and
theory is about its own distinctive
account of truth and
relations. Moreover,
0 would offer a metaphysical
for the language and theorems
as a foundation
for mathematics.
reference
emerges
of any mathematical
theory
that
Although we shall return to these issues in the last section of the paper,
one issue to which we shall not return, namely,
it is important to mention
our assumption
that both classical
tute genuine ontological
reductions.
matter, we shall not spend
shall assume
that the work
time
and metaphysical
Although
in this paper
carried
reductions
this may
consti?
be a controversial
on the matter;
instead, we
some reason to think
out here offers
that the ontological
individual and mathematical
categories mathematical
are not sui generis but rather subcategories
of the more funda?
abstract
individual
and
abstract
relation,
ontological
categories
relation
mental
respectively.
We turn, then, to a brief description
of some classical
reductions
so that we will be better prepared to appreciate what is distinctive
the metaphysical
reductions
familiar with
Readers
to Section
that establish
these applications
it will
be
of object
thesis
of this paper.
theory may
skip ahead
2.
1. CLASSICAL
In order
the main
in 0,
about
to discuss
the classical
REDUCTIONS
reductions
for the reader
IN 0
that have
been
effected
in 0,
to know
the language and axioms of
important
the theory. In what follows, we shall presuppose
that the reader is famil?
iar with one of the canonical presentations
of 0 in other publications.
In
this section, we shall discuss
the version of the theory that has been ex?
in a syntactically
second-order modal
(S5 with Barcan formulas)
pressed
so as to
calculus
has been modified
(without
predicate
identity) which
include a second kind of atomic formula, namely,
formulas of the form
'if1'
(individual x encodes property F1). A single theoretical primitive
'?!' ('being concrete')
is used to define the property of being
property
abstract
(A\x =df -'OElx)
and the comprehension
principle
for abstract
Página 8
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)N. ZALTA
EDWARD
asserts
individuals
an abstract
that for any condition
cp (without
the
that encodes
just
properties
individual
=
& VF(xF
free
jc's), there
is
<p (i.e.,
satisfying
are said to be identical
individuals
<p))).5 Abstract
same properties,
the
but to show that
encode
they necessarily
x and y are the same abstract individual,
it suffices to show that x and
same
the
is rigid (i.e.,
encode
since
the
y
logic of encoding
properties,
-> DxF).
OxF
3x(A\x
whenever
of the theory of abstract individuals
also
term. There is a complex way of denoting
of complex
of the form ixcp (for any
individuals,
namely, rigid definite descriptions
are
in the usual way,
These
definite
axiomatized
formula (p).
descriptions
The
canonical
formulation
two kinds
includes
analysis of descriptions
by a principle which asserts that Russell's
a
to
There is also
formula
that
contains
atomic
any
applies
description.6
a complex way of denoting
of the form
relations, namely, ?-expressions
no
no
and no
subformulas
free F's,
yn cp] (where (p has
[Xy\...
encoding
namely,
are axiomatized
by the usual principle
a
ensures that
and
(i.e., ?-abstraction),
by
principle which
no
to
the
relation
denoted
difference
makes
bound
variables
of
descriptions).
?-Conversion
These
?-expressions
exchange
?-Conversion
immediately
by the ?-expression.7
The
of
relations
for
relations.8
theory
principle
tion of when relations are said to be identical.9
(whether identical abstract
to work in all contexts.
yields a comprehension
is completed
by a defini?
of identicals
Substitution
or identical
individuals
relations)
is stipulated
reductions
in terms of this language and theory, several classical
Now,
are achieved
in precisely
the way one
have been effected. These reductions
that it is often the case that the target the?
would expect with the exception
So, for example, although
ory has not been given a canonical presentation.
we defined
situation theory does not have a canonical
axiomatization,
(in
Zalta
the following
(1993))
of 0 :x is a situation,
guage
situation
of
basic
s is a part of situation
situation
the theory
theory
of possible
worlds
does
of situation
s makes
t. From
are derivable
theory in the lan?
state of affairs p true, and
the usual axioms
these definitions,
notions
situation
as theorems
not have
of 0. Similarly,
although
a canonical
axiomatization,
we defined (in Zalta (1983) and (1993)) the following notions of world
theory: object x encodes proposition
p is true at world w, w is maximal,
and w
is actual.10 Then we
p, x is a possible world, proposition
w is modally
w is consistent,
closed,
of world
theory:
principles
is consistent,
is maximal,
(c) every world
(b) every world
(a) every world
is modally
closed,
(e) a proposition
(d) there is a unique actual world,
is
true iff it is true in all possible worlds,
is necessarily
(f) a proposition
some
have
whenever
worlds
true
true
it
in
iff
is
(g)
possible world,
possibly
derived
the usual
Página 9
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)true at them, those worlds are identical.11 Although
the same propositions
a canonical
not
it seems clear that
has
had
axiomatization,
theory
world
this theory would employ some subset of these
as axioms.
If this is right, then we have a classical ontological
of world theory to 0.
to axiomatize
any attempt
principles
reduction
theory of (complete
applied so as to reduce Leibniz's
as an example
But
of
and
Plato's
forms.12
individual)
theory
concepts
we
where the theory being reduced does have a canonical axiomatization,
note the following. When 0 is extended with the logic of actuality and two
0
has also been
a priori
definitions
and plausible
axioms, Frege's
and the Dedekind/Peano
and 0 can
of Predecessor
axioms for number theory become
about natural numbers).
(in addition to many Fregean principles
in the language of 0:
the following
notions
In Zalta (1999), we defined
x is a predecessor
of y, x is the number of G's, x is a natural number,
to
axioms
and zero. We then added the formal versions of the following
be constructed
theorems
and its weak ancestral are relations, and (b) if there is
(a) predecessor
a natural number n which numbers
the property G, then there might have
a
that
concrete individual distinct from all of the concrete individuals
been
0:
axioms for the
G.13 As a result, the Dedekind/Peano
exemplify
in
0.
become
of
natural
numbers
provable
theory
From a logical point of view, there is nothing unusual or distinctive
in 0. They may,
reductions
available
about these classical
ontological
actually
or logician in?
interest for the metaphysician
however, hold philosophical
or concerned
the number of ontological
terested in minimizing
categories
are
to find a system
in which
there
claims that
proofs of metaphysical
philosophers
typically
have
to stipulate.14
REDUCTIONS
2. METAPHYSICAL
are now to be contrasted with the
just discussed
reductions
that are available
in 0. The
metaphysical
The
classical
new
and distinctive
point
of these metaphysical
reductions
logical notions
of mathematical
formulate
of mathematics
theories
theories
denote
abstract
theories
denote
abstract
theorems
of mathematical
themselves
the primitive
of 0 or to derive
and that the relation
relations,
theories
and
reductions
will
the axioms
but rather to: (1) interpret (i.e.,
for) the language and axioms of
individuals
can be identified
non
of 0,
so as to reveal both that the individual
theories
Our metaphysical
in the language
as theorems
truth conditions
denotational
mathematical
is not to define
reductions
symbols of those
in 0 of the
readings
(2) develop
on which
those theorems
also show
as abstract
terms of those
turn out true.
that the mathematical
individuals.
In order
theories
tomake
these
Página 10
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
ideas perfectly
nical machinery.
and precise, we shall need to introduce some tech?
in Section 3.
technical machinery
will be developed
clear
This
in Section 4, we construct
Then,
mathematical
objects to abstract
important
to prepare
the reader
the theoretical
that reduce
descriptions
In the meantime,
it is
however,
objects.
for the material
the philosophy
by briefly outlining
is based.15
N. ZALTA
in the following
on which
of mathematics
sections
this material
assumes
of mathematics
that the primary data that
philosophy
a
are
sen?
true
the
analysis
requires
ordinary mathematical
philosophical
tences of the form 'Inmathematical
for
theory T, p (is true)'. So,
example,
we shall try to systematically
as 'In Real Num?
interpret such statements
Our
set theory,
ber Theory, n is greater than 3' and 'In Zermelo-Fraenkel
no set is a member
that these statements, when
of the empty set'. Note
stripped of the prefix 'Inmathematical
in the formal languages of mathematics.
of English
expressions
denote distinctive
abstract
the formal
So, on some
fixed English
and
symbols
require
in what
occasions
sentences
their standard
formal
follows, we will refer to both the unpre
set is a member
'No
of the empty set') and
(e.g.,
as ordinary
& xe0)')
renditions
(e.g., '->3x(Set(x)
shall call the ordinary language
language. We
'
...
the 'theory-operator'
and, in what
theory T,
a formal notion of 0 which will be used to precisely
of mathematical
'In mathematical
prefix
follows, we will define
translate this theory operator.
The
translation
truth conditions
for the prefixed
statements become
compositional
By contrast, the unprefixed
will be resolved in the framework.
The
the formal
of
expressions
the
and
(Both
objects.
English
a philosophical
and analysis.)
interpretation
the mathematical
mathematics
statements
theory T', are frequently expressed
We shall want to show that both
this ambiguity
that of mathematics)
idea underlying
guage (including
that is disambiguated
thereby yields well-defined,
statements of mathematics.
subject
to an ambiguity
that
in ordinary lan?
is that predication
is subject to a structural ambiguity
'Fx' and 'xF\ The
by our two modes of predication
'n
is
irrational'
and 'No set is
mathematics
of
(e.g.,
unprefixed
a member
of the empty set') are subject to this ambiguity.
They have a
on
a
which
they turn out
reading
they turn out true and
reading on which
statements
as
sentences will be analyzed
of the unprefixed
one
on
statement
is
the
'n
For
reading,
example,
encoding
predications.
irrational' (made in connection with Real Number Theory 9t) is true if and
namely n^ (which can be precisely
only if a certain abstract individual,
encodes a certain abstract property, namely, being irrational^
identified),
false. The
true readings
identified). But
(which can also be precisely
is true iff n^ exemplifies
is irrational'
being
on
the second
irrational^.
We
reading,
take these
Página 11
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)statements
to
second
'exemplification'
readings of ordinary mathematical
non
as
such
be false, n^ does exemplify
abstract,
properties
being
being
round, being non-red, being thought about by the reader at this moment,
etc. But the present view is that the mathematical
of rc^ are
properties
not exemplifies.16
the standard ex?
Although
are false, the
sentences
of
mathematical
unprefixed
emplification
readings
recover
the
mathematical
and
intuition
readings
encoding
philosophical
that it encodes,
properties
that there is a sense
We
esting issues
until Sections
sentences are true.17
these unprefixed
and defense of the myriad of inter?
further discussion
in which
shall postpone
that arise
in connection
6 and 7. But
the preliminary
preciate
follow.
3.
with
PRELIMINARY
of mathematics
now be in a position
to ap?
of definitions,
rules and
which
THEORETICAL
PRINCIPLES
the reader
series
this philosophy
should
theorems
solely on the language and axioms of 0, leaving the ques?
to represent the data from ordinary mathematics
to Sections 4
we
a reading
and 6. Now
recall that two paragraphs
described
back,
terms
for 'n is irrational'
of the abstract property
(a theorem of 9?) in
We
now focus
tion of how
Just as abstract
individuals
encode properties,
abstract
of
and
abstract
encode
relations
properties
properties
etc.
To
we
such
of
claims
relations,
represent
properties
employ
precisely,
the type-theoretic
version of 0. This theory is stated in a typed language
being
irrational^.
encode
properties
by the following
governed
i is a logical
Where
t\,...,
definition
type.
tn are any types,
of
'logical
(t\,...,
type':
tn) is a logical
type.
Our
includes
for each type.
(constants and) variables x*, yl,...
language
so
a
is
/
for
individuals
the
and
xl
will
be
variable ran?
type
Intuitively,
over
individuals.
{t\,...,
tn) is the type for relations that hold among
ging
objects
quently
to make
Instead of x{tu -,tn\ we fre?
,tn, respectively.
types t\,...
having
use the variable F^1,~'Jn) to range over relations of this type, so as
it clearer
that the object
in question
is a relation.
For each
type t,
'?!(/)' ('concrete'
') that applies to things
predicate
of type t. In terms of this predicate, we define a predicate
that characterizes
the ordinary objects ('0!') and abstract objects ('A!') of type t as follows:
there is a distinguished
0!(V
Al{t)x* =df -0?!(V
Página 12
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
n may
Finally,
since
ranging
over objects
N. ZALTA
be 0 in (t\,...,
tn), we shall use 'p' as a variable
of the empty type ( ). Intuitively,
this is the type for
propositions.
With this typing
scheme, we may assume that the formulas and complex
in the usual way.
terms of the language of our type theory can be specified
that we
Note
two kinds
still have
xt\
p(h,...,tn)
of atomic
formula:
xtn
xlF{t)
Since
it is straightforward
to specify
the well-formed
formulas
and com?
can be inferred
terms, we will omit the definition here. The definition
now
some
which
of
of
the
main
0,
operate at
principles
by examining
of a term whose
each type (we suppress types on the reoccurrences
type
plex
in the formula):
has already
been
specified
(2)
0\{t)xl
-> D^3F{t)xF
(3)
3xt(A\{t)x
(4)
x< = /
0!(V
&VF{t)(xF
=
<p)), where
cphas no free*'s
=df
& 0\yl & nVF{t)(Fx = Fy) V
A!(V & A!/ & DVF(i)(xF
==yF)
(5)
...
... xtn =
where
ytn (p]xtl
[?/1
(pxn 'XJ,
and no definite descriptions
subformulas
(6)
Ojc'F(?)
<phas no encoding
-> DjcF
type, do not encode proper?
(2) asserts that ordinary objects, of whatever
for
abstract
ties. (3) is the comprehension
objects and asserts that
principle
cp is a condition on properties F(i) (i.e., the F's characterize
objects
of type t), there is an abstract object of type t that encodes all and only the
for all objects: objects x%
F's satisfying
cp. (4) defines
identity conditions
are
are
either they
both ordinary objects of type
identical whenever
and yx
when
or they are both abstract
the same properties
exemplify
same
t
encode
the
and
of
(Substitution
properties.
necessarily
type
objects
the
is
?-Conversion
of identicals governs this defined notion.)
(5)
principle
t and necessarily
that governs
xtn exemplify
It asserts that objects xh,...,
?-expressions.
relation being ayh,...
,ytn such that cp if and only if x'1,...,
complex
Página 13
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)is not relative
satisfy (p. (6) is a logical axiom which asserts that encoding
are rigidly encoded.
to any circumstance
encoded properties
that (3) and (4) jointly guarantee
that for any formula
Notice
<p (with
no free x* 's), there is a unique abstract object of type t that encodes all and
cp. (There couldn't be two distinct abstract
satisfying
only the properties
the properties
cp if distinct abstract
exactly
satisfying
to differ with respect to at least one encoded property.) So that
objects
that encode
objects
means
have
canonical
the following
of an abstract
description
object
is always
well-defined:
=
ix^Al^x&WF^^xF
Moreover,
such canonical
cp))
are governed
descriptions
of the logic of descriptions,
consequence
encodes exactly the properties
satisfying
satisfies cp:
iff G^
in what follows.
shall appeal to this theorem on occasion
1 of this paper, we discussed
In Section
only abstract individuals.
How?
=
ixt(A\{t)x&yF{t)(xF
ever, we can now assert the existence
and abstract relations that individuals
3x{i)(A\mx
& WFm(xF
3x{U)(A\{{U))x&WF{{u))(xF
We
a property
G^
(1)
We
namely,
cpencodes
by a straightforward
the abstract object x* that
plan
among
(second)
Now
to show
=
cp))G{t) <p$
of abstract
properties
may
exemplify:
=
cp)), where
=
of individuals
q>has no free x{ih
cp)), where
<phas no free jc^s
the abstract
can be found
(relations)
properties
are
to exist by the first
which
asserted
asserts
to have a formula of 0 that
follows,
is a mathematical
suffice
theory. It would
that mathematical
properties
of the above principles.
in what
it will be useful,
explicitly
for our purposes
that something
as a primitive
relation symbol
'MathTheory'
of 0. Such a predicate would
allow us to introduce axioms and specify
for mathematical
theories. However,
instead of this ex?
identity conditions
a
new
more
of
it
is
pedient
adding
single
primitive notion,
philosophically
to just add
to define the notion of 'mathematical
perspicuous
other primitive,
but reasonably well-understood,
theory'
notions.
in terms of two
these are, it is important to point out that we
our pretheoretic
ability to recognize mathematical
we say
shall ultimately
rely on
we
come
theories when
across
of
what
them. We
do not intend
to use
the definition
Before
'MathTheory(xY
Página 14
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
is a mathematical
prove that anything
is to tell us, in theoretical
definition
we
identify
pretheoretically
assert this in 0.
So to define
following
mathematical
proposition'
theory. Instead, the purpose of the
terms, what it is that we know when
something
as a mathematical
of a 'mathematical
the notion
two primitive
N. ZALTA
notions.
First,
we
theory and then
we
theory' in 0,
need the notion
('Math(pY).
Fortunately,
on what this notion amounts
we
need
of a
have
the
'purely
a pretty
to. It is reasonably
grasp
good pretheoretic
are mathematical.
constants
and predicates
Mathe?
clear which primitive
con?
maticians
and logicians certainly have no trouble identifying which
stants and predicates
in order
calculus
have to be added to a predicate
to state
the proper
axioms
of
some mathematical
some
theory. Though
sets are logical objects19 or
that (primitive)
have supposed
philosophers
is a logical rather than a mathematical
that set membership
relation,20
now agrees that when
taken as a primitive
notion,
pretty much everyone
notion and
theoretical
is a non-logical,
(i.e., mathematical)
'membership'
axioms. So, I'll assume that
that the axioms of set theory are non-logical
we can judge pretheoretically
and constants are mathem?
which predicates
as a primitive notion.21
atical, and that this ability justifies taking Math(p)
The other notion we'll need to define a mathematical
theory is the notion
two individuals
is a relation that holds between
'authorship'. Authorship
'
we
to
assert
use
that
xl
authors
and
xl and yl
yl. We'll
explain
'A{l'l)xlyl
a
moment.
why this notion is important in just
of
two primitive
notions, we may define a mathe?
to
individual
be
abstract
(i.e., object of type 0 which
any
theory
out of mathematical
constructed
encodes
(i)
properties
only propositional
Now
in terms of our
matical
and (ii) is authored
propositions,
(8)
by some concrete
individual:
MathTheory(x[) =df WF{i)(xF -> 3p(Math(p) &
F = [?/ p])) & 3y(E\{i)y & A{iJ)yx)
about the
The authorship
relation is used so that we can talk primarily
Of course, we
theories that have actually been constructed.
mathematical
shall want our analysis to apply to any possible mathematical
theory, and
- we
in front
this is easily done
'possibly'
simply add the modal operator
of the second conjunct of (8) (i.e., so that it reads: itmight be the case that
in what follows,
individual). However,
by some concrete
we use the
we need not concern ourselves with this subtlety. Henceforth,
variables T and S to range over actual theories.
is authored
xl
We
only
next say that a proposition
p is true in theory T
if T encodes
the property
[Xy p]:
(9)
T^p
=df T[ky p]
(=/?') if and
Página 15
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)In the next
use
we will
section,
this defined
to translate the ordin?
T, ... '. But for now,
notion
Tn mathematical
ary language theory-prefix
theory
let us note that given this definition, we may extend our central notion,
x* encodes F{t), so that we may say that certain individuals
(in particu?
We will say that a theory T encodes
propositions.
p just in case p is true in T, i.e., just in case T encodes
[Xy p].
proposition
It is important next to stipulate that mathematical
theories are closed
encode
lar, theories)
under proof-theoretic
is defined
\jr,which
so defined
has been
If we
consequence.
in 0
proof-theoretically
in previous work),
<pn \
(and which
the notion
utilize
<pi,...,
in the usual way
stipulate that whenever
then we may
of propositions
p\,...
q is a proof-theoretic
consequence
proposition
are
true
in mathematical
and the pt
all
theory T, then q is true in T:
Rule
(10)
of Closure
If pi,...,
pn
for Mathematical
\- q and T
f= p\
Theories
and ...
,pn
T:
and T
\= pn,
then
T\=q.
In what
follows,
closed
that mathematical
theories are
therefore, we assume
to this rule. In addition, we shall often refer to the proof
according
as its 'logical' consequences.
of a proposition
theoretic consequences
So
to
not
the reader is hereby cautioned
remember both (a) that 'T\=p' does
that p is a logical consequence
of T but rather is defined as in (9),
and (b) that 6p\-q9 asserts that q is a logical (proof-theoretic)
consequence
of p.
assert
we
are in a position
to appreciate
the significance
of two simple
the first of which gives us a theoretical description
of the abstract
T
to
with which a mathematical
is
be
identified.
It is a
theory
our
of
if
T is
definition
of
that
'mathematical
consequence
theory'
Now
theorems,
individual
simple
a mathematical
theory,
then T is identical with
encodes
all and only (the properties
that are true in T. In formal terms:22
(11)
There
MathTheory(T) ->
T = ix?(Alx&VF(xF
are two important
the definite
constructed
description
=
individual
out of)
the propositions
about
(11). The first is that
in (11), namely:
ixl (A\x & VF(jcF = 3p(T\=p & F=[ky
is well-defined.
We established
of an abstractum
is well-defined,
that
3p(T\=p & F=[ky p])))
to make
observations
that appears
the abstract
earlier
/?]))),
that any such canonical description
as a consequence
of our comprehension
principle (3) and identity principle (4) for abstracta.
Página 16
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
does not
thing to note about (11) is that its consequent
de?
of mathematical
theory T, but rather a theoretical
we
next
T.
extend
the
of
0
of
Once
the
(in
section) by
language
scription
theories, the above theorem can
introducing names of actual mathematical
to those names, resulting
in specific identity claims which
be instantiated
The
second
a definition
offer
the named
identify
important
mathematical
theories
as well-defined
individuals.
But
any names
of actual
into our
in the next
section, where we show how to translate the data into
At this point, we have simply defined some technical
system.
and have produced
of these notions.
of 0
a simple
identity
simple theorem we
for mathematical
conditions
identity
conditions
The
it is
can't yet instantiate
in (11) in any interesting way. Nor do we have available
true sentences of the form 'r (= <p\ Such sentences will become
our formal
notions
abstract
yet introduced
language and so we
that we haven't
F
the variable
specific
available
theories
to remember
second
for abstracta
theorem
are in a position
that is statable
in terms
to appreciate
tells us
It is a consequence
of our
the definition
of mathematical
theories.
(4) and
theories (8) that theories T and S are identical if and only if all and only
the propositions
true in T are true in S:
T = S = Vp(T?=p = S?=p)
This, presumably,
for theories.
is exactly
what
one would
expect
as identity
conditions
can complete
of the machinery
the specification
needed for meta?
of
with
definitions.
the
series
First we say
reductions
following
physical
that an object x* (of type 0 is an object of theory S iff there is a property
We
such that it is true in S that xt exemplifies
F{t)
(12)
ObjectOf(xt, S) =df
F:
3F{t)(S[=Fxt)
= i, we
individual of
follows, when t
say that x* is amathematical
=
we
a
t
of
is
that
mathematical
x*
S; and when
S; when
say
(/),
property
=
t
relation of S.
(/, /), we say that xl is a mathematical
In what
the objects
We can now formulate a quite general axiom for identifying
of theory S as abstract objects. This statement of the axiom is simplified
theories.23 We
only pure mathematical
by the fact that we are considering
assert
the following
(13)
as axiomatic:
Reduction Axiom:
=
ObjectOf(xt, S) -> x
ly^Al^y&WF^^yF
=
S\=Fx))
if xl is a type-i object of theory S, then x is the abstract
In other words,
true of x in S.
object that encodes exactly the properties
Página 17
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)it is an immedi?
canonical descriptions,
By our theorem (7) governing
ate Corollary
that if xt is an object of S, then x
of the Reduction
Axiom
F:
iff it is true in S that x exemplifies
encodes a property F^
(14)
We
ObjectOf(x\
see
shall
some
in the next
rollary
allow us to identify
S) -> (xF{t)
specific
section.
instances
=
S\=Fx)
of our Reduction
we
In the meantime,
a
the objects of mathematical
Axiom
and Co?
note
that the principles
theory no matter what
the logical type of the object. It is to be stressed here that from
there is no distinguished
of view of a foundational metaphysics,
the point
'model
to tell us what
are the 'objects of a theory T. From
the objects of a theory are the ones described
theoretic' perspective
a metaphysical
point of view,
re
to objects. Note
its
de
that the
claims, for these attribute properties
by
re
as
a
statement
counts
'3xl P{l)xJ
de
claim about the property F, but that
as a de re claim
count
it doesn't
about mathematical
individuals.
From
we
can validly infer 3F^(T\=3xlFx),
but we can't validly
T\=3xl P^x,
infer 3xl(T\=Px).
This tells us that from a logical standpoint, we cannot
inside the scope of the theory operator.24 The
validly export the quantifiers
of this fact will
implications
4.
become
clearer
REDUCING MATHEMATICS
in Section
6.
TO METAPHYSICS
reduce the objects of an arbitrary mathematical
theory
of our formal metaphysics.
We'll
the
begin by introducing
our
of ordinary mathematical
into
the
of
language
language
In this section we'll
to the objects
expressions
formal system.
it should be clear what the resulting
Though
the statements of ordinary mathematical
language
is between
relationship
and those of
our system, we will leave the explicit discussion
of the interesting features
of this relationship
until the next section.
let r range over
Now, to actually carry out our analysis and reduction,
names of mathematical
theories and suppose that we pretheoretically
judge
that a group
of sentences
constitute
the proper axioms of a mathematical
r.
us
to these sentences as 'the axioms of
named
Let
refer
simply
theory
r'. We shall assume that the axioms of r have been, or can be, formalized
in a first- or second-order
(with identity). So whenever
predicate calculus
sentence
s is an axiom
an axiom
of r.
So as to reduce
we make
the axioms
of r, we will
the amount
also
of work we
say that its formal
shall have
rendition
to do in what
<p is
follows,
three simplifying metatheoretical
(I)
assumptions:
of r that are instances of a first-order axiom schema can all
the following
Página 18
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
axiom which
employs
replaced by a single second-order
quantifiers
over relations,
the axioms of r involve a primitive rc-place
(II) whenever
an n + 1
function
involving
they can be replaced by axioms
symbol,
'='
r
involve
the axioms of
symbol, and (III) whenever
place predicate
'='
as a
as a logical primitive,
involving
they can be replaced by axioms
be
relation symbol (so that the standard two logical
non-logical
distinguished
discuss
axioms for identity become proper axioms). We'll
simplification
it should help if we remind
(III) in the next section. For the meantime,
of r asserts
a sentence
an identity, the individuals
ex?
same
the
to be identical exemplify
(or conditions)
properties
in the language of r. (For each mathematical
theory r, we shall
the reader
asserted
pressible
that when
'=T' by which one
employ a relation symbol
same
the
individuals
r-expressible
exemplify
that nothing
5, we'll demonstrate
to assumption
(III).
Section
4.1.
can assert
that r-identical
in
properties.) Moreover,
important is lost by appealing
0
Extending
to the language
In this subsection, we extend 0 by adding new expressions
and by adding certain analytic truths and certain obvious facts as new ax?
we pretheoretically
ioms. Now, whenever
judge that a group of sentences
constitute
the axioms for a mathematical
theory named r, we extend the
name
as
we
r as a new constant of type
add
the
follows:
of
0
(a)
language
k (if there are any) that
constant
for
/ to our language,
each
(b)
primitive
of r, we add kt as a new constant of type / to our
relation symbol II appearing
language, and (c) for each n -place primitive
in an axiom of r, we add nr as a new relation symbol of type (/,...,/)
in an axiom
appears
(with n occurrences
that clause (c) and sim?
'/') to our language. Note
ensure
an
if
axiom
of r involves
that
'=',
(III) together
'=T' as a new 2-place relation symbol of 0.
of
plifying assumption
we shall be adding
the formula
Next, for each proper axiom cpof theory r, let <p*designate
of 0 that results when each primitive constant k in <pis replaced by /cTand
each primitive predicate n in ^ is replaced by nT. Then, for each proper
axiom
(p of r, we
take the following
r
(whenever
(15)
|= <p*
displayed
no matter
convention
possible
line of
how
cp is an axiom
of this essay, we
In the remainder
the form
complex
(described
scope within
r\=\//,
as a new axiom
of 0:
of r)
In any
convention.
adopt the following
the scope of '|=' will extend over \?r,
the
\?rmay be. So this is a special case where
narrowest
in note 10 of Section
the
of
1)
'|='
giving
a formula
is to be overridden.
Página 19
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)of 0 are, in a real sense, analytic
truths.
Tn
the
claims
of
the
form
They explicitly
represent
language
' ordinary
...
our
mathematical
in terms of
formal machinery.
Note also
theory r,
that these new axioms
Notice
of r involve '=', then given simplifying
assumption
us
as new axioms of 0 (in which
to
add the following
(15) requires
are variables of type / and F is a variable of type (/)):
that if the axioms
(16)
r
|= x=zx
(17)
r
\= x=Ty
Notice
-> VF(Fx
=
(III),
x, y
Fy)
that the quantifier
'r
operator
'VF' in (17) lies within
the scope of the theory
the indiscernibility
of x and y (with respect to
on the r -identity of x and y only relative
is conditioned
So
...'.
\=
exemplification)
to r itself. From
our Rule of Closure
(17) and the fact that r |= x=Ty,
=
lets us conclude
only that r |= VF(Fx
Fy) and so we have to show
that t \= Px if we want to conclude
'VF'
that r \= Py. The quantifier
governs the r-relative properties of x and y.
determined) mathematical
Finally, for each (pretheoretically
therefore
we
also add the following
(18)
Notice
fact as a new assumption
of 0
theory
:
r,
MathTheory(x)
(15) and (18), we know metatheoretically
ensures that the translation
<p*of every ordinary
that given
of Closure
becomes
(19)
derivable
r
Reducing
in 0
f= cp*
behind
Reasoning
theory in question
4.2.
obvious
as an explicit
(whenever
r-relative
cpof r
truth:
\-T cp)
the theory operator, therefore,
employs classical
logic.25
the Objects
that our Rule
theorem
is classical
whenever
the
of Set Theories
now examine how the foregoing
a metaphysical
facilitates
reduction
a
of any set described
set
As
by any
theory.
particular example, we shall
consider
the sets of a simple
set
'adjunctive'
theory. This simple theory
is representative
and it should be clear how the techniques
used can be
We
set theory and other set
applied to reduce the objects of Zermelo-Fraenkel
as the axioms of the theory named
theories. Let us designate
the following
'ST':
(ST1)
Sets which
have
the same members
are identical.
Página 20
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
The empty
(ST3)
No
(ST4)
For
(ST5)
For
N. ZALTA
set is a set.
set is is a member
of the empty
set.26
any two sets, there is a set having
members
of the second set as members.
the first
any property F and set x, there
members
all and only those members
is a set which
set and
of x which
the
has
as
exemplify
F.
These
are familiar
-
axioms
is the Axiom
(ST1)
of Extensionality,
(ST2)
and (ST3) describe the empty set, (ST4) is theAxiom of Adjunction, and
(ST5) is the Axiom
in classical
axioms
of Separation.
to formalize
It is straightforward
these
that the primitive,
logic by assuming
exemplification
are
term
the
'the
empty set' ('0') and the
expressions
singular
non-logical
'is a set' OS'),
'is a member
of
non-logical
predicates
same as' ('=') The formalization
would go as follows:
(STf ) VjcVj[5jc &Sy^>
[Vz(z e x
('e')
and
'is the
= ze
=
y) -> x
y]]
(ST20 S0
G0)
(ST3') -*3x(Sx&x
(ST4')
& Sy ->
VxVy[Sx
ez=w=x
3ziw(w
(ST50 VFVjc[5jc -* 3y(Sy & Vz(z ey=zex&
that we
v
w e y)]
Fz))]
(I) so as to formulate
assumption
simplifying
(ST5') in its second-order
guise. Since we have such
in the language of 0, we need not bother with the instances of
Note
the Separation
quantifiers
the first-order
We
now
According
of 0 with
have
invoked
Axiom
Schema.
Separation
translate these axioms
to the procedure
outlined
the new non-logical
relation symbols
non-logical
'ST' and '0ST' are expressions
(/), and that 'eST' and '=st'
x, y, z, w as variables
the following
analytic
axioms
(20)
into analytic
truths of 0 as follows.
above, we first extend the language
constants
'ST' and
'0ST' and with the new
(It should be clear that
'SST', 'eST\ anc* '=st'of type /, that '5ST' is an expression
of type
are expressions
of type {i, i).) Then, using
of type / and F as a variable of type (/), we add
truths as new
for identity discussed
axioms
of 0
(in addition
to the new
above):
ST h VxVy[SsT* & SSTy -+ [Vz(z eST x = z eST y)
Página 21
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)ST h Sst0st
(22)
ST \=^3x(SSTx & x GST0st)
(23)
ST f=VxVy[Ssjx & SSTy -*
237
Gst Z = W =ST X V W Gst )0]
3Z?W(W
ST \=VFVx[SSTx -> 3y(SSTy & Vz(zGSTy= zeSjx & Fz))]
we
Finally,
also add the assumption:
MathTheory (ST)
(24)
given this last fact, we know from (19) that the translation
in 0 as an explicit
ordinary theorem (pof ST becomes derivable
Now
<p*of every
ST-relative
truth:
ST |= cp*
With
reduce
(whenever hST (p)
in 0, we are now ready to metaphysically
this group of theorems
the sets described by ST. However,
it is to be emphasized
that there
is nothing
in what follows. We are
implied by the order of presentation
are
not constructing
'in stages'. We
the objects
simply showing which
in 0 constitute proofs.
sequences of formulas
First we
identify the theory ST as a particular abstract individual. To do
of the result
instantiate (11) to ST and then derive the consequent
The result is:
from our assumption
(24) thatMathTheory(ST).
this, we
ST = ix[ (A\x & VF(jcF = 3/?(ST \= p & F = [ky p])))
(25)
to recognize
that this is not a definition
of 'ST', but rather
of a particular abstract individual. Given
theoretical description
that sentences of the form 'ST f= /?' are well-defined
and that the ordinary
It is essential
an exact
theorems
which
of ST appear
abstract
Second,
we
in this form as theorems
individual
identify
0ST. To do this, recall
0:
ST \= SST0ST (21)
It therefore
(26)
follows
of 0, we know
in principle
ST is.
that:
3F{i)(ST\=F0ST)
that (21) is a new axiom
Página 22
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARDN. ZALTA
(27)
ObjectOf X0ST,ST)
may
therefore
instantiate
to yield
consequent
We
that 0ST is an object
it follows
So, by (12),
our Reduction
the following
theorem
of ST:
Axiom
of 0
(13) and detach
(28)
= ST
0sT = iJcf(A!jc& VF(jcF
|=F0ST))
have
therefore
the Corollary
(14)
the
:
0st as an abstract individual. Notice
to the Reduction
it also follows
from
Axiom,
identified
that by
the fact
that 0sT is an object of ST that0st encodes a property F if and only if it is
a truthof ST that 0st exemplifies F:
0STF= ST \= F0ST
(29)
in Section 6, when we look at the rela?
prove instrumental
our formal theorems and their counterparts
in ordinary
tionship between
mathematical
language.
This
fact will
To complete our metaphysical
reduction, we identify the mathematical
relations of ST. We need to identify SST, gst, and =ST. It will suffice to
to identify the first two (since the reduction of =r is carried out
like that for gst). Now recall that (22) is a new axiom of 0:
show how
exactly
ST \=^3x(SSTx & x Gst 0st)
(22)
we can 'abstract out' a
and ?-Conversion,
this, our Rule of Closure,
a
that
of
set$j exemplifies
(in ST)
(the property) being
property
properties
relation exemplifies
and a property of relations that the membership^
(in
From
ST):
(30)
ST h
[kF{i) -*3x(Fx & jcgst0st)]Sst
(31)
ST h
[kF{u) ->3x(SSjx & Fjc0st)]
st
on each of the above ?-expressions,
can now generalize
remembering
of type ((/)) and that
that expressions
of the form [?F^ x/s] are expressions
We
of the form
[?F(M)
(32)
3Fm(ST\=
FSST)
(33)
3F{{iJ))(ST^= FeST)
expressions
x//] are expressions
of type
Página 23
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)So, by the definition
We
(34)
ObjectOf(SST, ST)
(35)
ObjectOf(eST, ST)
may
therefore
instantiate
to yield
consequent
we may
of ObjectOf,
derive
our Reduction
Axiom
Sst = ix{i)(A\mx & VFm(xF
(37)
Gst= ix{u)(Al{{u))x&WFm))(xF
(36) and (37)
identify
Sst
abstract
(13) and detach
= ST |=FeST))
and Gst as an abstract property
that if we had begun with axiom
relation, respectively.
(Note
or (23) instead of (22), we could have reconstructed
to prove that =ST is an abstract relation.) Moreover,
to the Reduction
Axiom,
that ?st and Gst are objects
(38)
SSjFm
the following
the
= ST
\= FSST))
(36)
Theorems
two facts:
:
of 0
theorems
the following
the following
the above
and
(20)
deduction
(14)
by our Corollary
are also consequences
of the fact
of ST:
= ST h FSst
Gst F{{u)) = ST h FeST
In other words,
in ST. These
the properties
SST and gst encode precisely
they exemplify
in Section 6, when we look at
facts will prove instrumental
the relationship
theorems of 0.
between
ordinary mathematical
language
and the formal
as soon as we analyze
By analogy, given the foregoing derivations,
set theory (ZF) or ZF + Axiom
mathematical
theories Zermelo-Fraenkel
the
of
(ZFC) and supplement 0 with new terms and analytic truths in the
manner prescribed
theorems which
become
above, the following
identify
the primitive
individuals and relations of these two theories:
Choice
0zf =
ixi(A\x&WF(xF
0ZFC= ixi(A\x&VF(xF
GZF=
= ZF
f=F0ZF))
= ZFC
ix{Ui)(Alx&VF{{iJ))(xF
eZFC= ix{iJ)(A\x&VF{{U))(xF
h F0ZFC))
= ZF
\= Fgzf))
= ZFC
h /^zfc))
this analysis,
the empty sets and membership
relations of ZF and ZFC
are analyzed as distinct abstract individuals
and distinct abstract relations,
Página 24
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
are defined by their
which
respectively,
defined by the truths of ZF and ZFC.27
4.3.
Reducing
the Objects
of Number
theoretical
roles,
i.e.,
they are
Theories
(In this subsection, we describe how the above procedure would be applied
to the primitive objects of the Dedekind/Peano
axioms for number theory.
to the one described
Since the procedure
is almost exactly analogous
in
the previous
subsection,
such readers
some
readers might
should
note
However,
why it is important
to distinguish
the primitive
of Dedekind/Peano
subsection
objects
and the classical
to skip this subsection.
two paragraphs
discuss
the metaphysical
reduction of
wish
that the final
between
reduction
number theory as outlined
in this
of the natural numbers we described
in Section
We
1.)
now metaphysically
ber theories. As
reduce
the numbers
a representative
theory. Let us designate
we'll
by various num?
on a classic number
described
focus
example,
as the axioms
the following
of
'Number Theory'
('NT'):
Zero
Zero
is a number.
doesn't
succeed
two numbers
No
have
any number.
the same successor.
Every number has a successor.
num?
If (a) 0 exemplifies
the property F and (b) every two successive
F then y exemplifies
bers x and y are such that if x exemplifies
F,
F.
then every number exemplifies
Now
suppose
these
axioms
have
Zero ('0'),
logical expressions
'is the same as' ('='). Then we
been
formalized
in terms of
the non
'is a number'
extend
'succeeds'
(W),
('5"), and
the language of 0 with the expres?
'=nt'(It should be clear that 'NT'
'Ont', 'Nnt\
'Snt\ and
are
of type /, that Wnt'
is an expression
of type
'Ont'
expressions
now
of type (/, i).) We
add
(i), and that 'Snt' and '=nt' are expressions
new
as
new
to
the
addition
axioms
of
0
truths
the following
(in
analytic
sions
'NT',
and
axioms
for identity
discussed
(39)
NT h A?ntOnt
(40)
NT \=^x(Nmx
above):
& SntOnt*)
NT |=VxVy[Nmx & Nmy & x ^NT y ->
~^3z(Nmz
& SNjzx & SNTzy)]
-* 3y(Nmy & Smyx))
NT \=Vjc(JVNT;c
Página 25
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)NT |=VF[F0NT & VxVy(Nmx & Nmy & Smyx & Fx ->
(41)
Fy)
that we
Note
have
the Induction
-> Vx(Nmx
-? Fjc)]
invoked
assumption
simplifying
(41) in its second-order
guise.
also add the assumption:
Finally,
we
(42)
MathTheory(NT)
this last fact, we know from
theorem
cp of NT becomes
ordinary
Now
given
every
NT-relative
(19) that the translation
cp* of
in 0 as an explicit
derivable
truth:
NT |= cp*
With
(I) so as to formulate
axiom
we
of theorems
in 0,
as a particular
abstract
this group
the theory NT
(whenever hNT cp)
begin our reduction by identifying
individual. To do this, we instantiate
(11) toNT and appeal to (42) to conclude:
NT = ixl (A\x & VF(xF = 3p(NT\=p & F=[ky p])))
(43)
we
Second,
identify
Ont- Beginning
with
(39), we
follow
the same
steps
thatwe followed inmoving from (21) through (26) and (27) to reach (28).
is, beginning with (39), we
to NT, generalize
fies according
That
object
of NT,
(44)
abstract out a property that Ont exempli?
on that property, conclude
that Ont is an
to conclude:
and then instantiate our Reduction
Axiom
= NT
0NT= ixl (A\x & VF(xF
\= F0NT))
have therefore identified Ont as an abstract individual.
To complete our metaphysical
reduction, we identify the mathematical
relations of NT. We need to identify Nm,
it will
Snt> and =Nt- Again,
suffice to show how to identify the first two. Beginning
with (40), we just
We
follow
in moving
the same steps that we followed
from (22) via (30)-(35)
and
That
with
is, beginning
(36)
(37).
(40), we abstract out
to reach both
various
properties,
tiate the Reduction
and instan?
generalize,
apply the definition of ObjectOf
two theorems
Axiom. We thereby prove the following
of0:
(45)
Nm = ix?(A\mx&.VFm(xF
(46)
= NT
SNT= ix{iJ)(A\{{iJ))x& VF{{u))(xF
= NT |= FNm))
Página 26
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
have
We
abstract
therefore
N. ZALTA
the mathematical
identified
relations
7VNt and SNt as
relations.
we
turn our attention
to the objects of arbitrary mathematical
an
is in order. It is
subsection,
important observation
that the objects
identified by the above metaphys?
important to recognize
from the objects
ical reduction of NT are completely
different
identified
Before
theories
in the next
in the classical
tion
reduction
1, we
1. In Section
the natural
cardinal
This
of the natural
described
0 and to define
classical
in 0
numbers
how
has
0
of
the concepts
was
reduction
in Sec?
described
the resources
to define
'natural number'
the subject of Zalta
and
and
(1999)
'predecessor'.
in that paper, the natural cardinals were defined so as to encode ordinary
the natural cardinal 0 encodes
non-mathematical
properties. For example,
all and only those properties which are exemplified
by no ordinary objects
a
in
of
the
Arctic Circle),
and
0
encodes
the
property
being
(e.g.,
giraffe
that are exemplified
by
just those properties
nine ordinary objects (e.g., 9 encodes
the property of being a planet in our
the predecessor
relation and its weak ancestral
solar system). Moreover,
are asserted
to be ordinary relations
(since they aren't abstract relations,
the natural
cardinal
they don't encode
using a definition
was
then defined
0 bears
the weak
9 encodes
any properties). They were defined in terms of encoding,
similar to Frege's.28 And the concept of 'natural number'
to be any abstract object to which
the natural cardinal
relation. Given
such defini?
ancestral of the predecessor
axioms become unprefixed
theorems
tions, the unprefixed Dedekind/Peano
of 0. So 0 rules that the basic laws of number theory are true simpliciter.
Consequently,
are defined
which
to distinguish
it is important
in terms of the application
objects of the natural world,
from the theoretical numbers
from
these
natural
of counting
the theoretical
numbers
numbers,
the ordinary
of NT
(and
of every other mathematical
theory of num?
are different because
the individual numbers
bers). These number systems
roles in their respective
theories. The theoretical
numbers
play different
to them by their theoretical
of NT encode only the properties
assigned
such as being
role in NT. As such, they do not encode ordinary properties
a giraffe
in the Arctic
Circle
and numberNT
predecessorNT
can be identified as abstract
relations
that NT
as formulated
or being a planet. Similarly,
are both primitive
(not defined)
relations
that encode
to them. The
standard
assigns
in exemplification
logic
the relations
in NT. They
the properties
of
only
laws of number
theory,
notions of
in terms of the primitive
remain true, when translated into 0,
zeroNT> numberNT? and predecessor^,
theory operator. So although 0 has
only when prefixed by the appropriate
a
to imply
of 'natural number')
definition
mathematical
power (via
enough
the basic
laws of number
theory
as unprefixed
(i.e., objective)
truths, we
Página 27
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)power rather than its mathematical
power to give
rely on its philosophical
a metaphysical
reduction of the objects of arbitrary mathematical
theories,
as we shall now see.
4.4.
Reducing
the Objects
Mathematical
of Arbitrary
Theories
of an arbitrary mathematical
theory, we first identify
to (25) and (43). Sup?
by proving
a
we
that
that
sentences
of
the
constitute
pose
group
pretheoretically
judge
a
axioms of mathematical
theory named r. Suppose further that the axioms
of r have been given some standard first- or second-order
formalization
in
we
accordance with our simplifying
Now
(III).
(I)
assumptions
suppose
have extended 0 in the way described
above. We can then theoretically
To reduce
the objects
the theories
identify
a theorem
themselves
similar
theory r as follows:
the mathematical
=
r = ixi(A\x&WF(xF
3p(r\=p & F=[ky
/?])))
Recall that this is provable from (11) and (18).
We
now
have
to identify
the objects
of r. Consider
any primit?
k1 that appears in (a sentence pretheoretically
expression
kx is
judged to be) an axiom of r. Then, given our simplifying
assumptions,
either an individual constant of type i or an n -place relation symbol of type
of i).We therefore add k\ to the language of
{i,...,
i) (with n occurrences
0. Now suppose cp is (a sentence pretheoretically
judged to be) an axiom
of r and that cpcontains k1\ Then where
is
the
translation
of cp into the
(p*
we
a
new
of
the
know
is
axiom
that
of
0:
0,
language
following
simply
ive non-logical
From
Let
this, we can 'abstract out' a property that k* exemplifies
the new variable y* for
cp~ be the result of substituting
we may
use ?-Conversion
r
And
and our Rule
of Closure
k[ in (p*. Then
(10) to prove that:
|= [ky* (p~]tcT,
by generalizing
on the ?-expression,
3F{t)(r \=Fk[)
So, by (12), k1x is a type-i
ObjectOf^,!)
object
of r:
it follows
in theory r.
that:
Página 28
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
Then, by our Reduction
follows:
(47)
The
k\
(13), we
Axiom
cannot
this theorem
of
can provably
identify
k[ in 0
as
It offers
a
= r
h Ek{))
= ixt(A\x&WF(xF
significance
N. ZALTA
be overemphasized.
of mathematical
reduction
ontological
objects (individuals
lations) to the abstract objects of our background
ontology. Given
is an immediate consequence
of (47) that:
general
(48)
K[F{t)
In other words,
exemplifies
are some
There
deserve
a mathematical
it
object
k\ encodes
exactly
the properties
it
r.
SOME CONSEQUENCES
OF THE REDUCTION
with
the foregoing
that
that arise in connection
we
our
treatment
In
shall
of
this
discuss
section,
commentary.
some
of
the
theor?
and
describe
(?5.1)
consequences
interesting
issues
identity
ems just proved (?5.2). The
an important role in Section
in a way
ical language
mathematical
arbitrary
5.1.
(14),
= r \= Fkt
in theory
5.
and re?
When
Identity
consequences
6, where we
that reveals
theories
is Primitive
discussed
in Section
5.2 play
mathemat?
analyze
(ordinary)
a correlation
the theorems
between
and theorems
of (extended)
of
0.
in x
amathematical
(III) was that whenever
assumption
a
r
can
with
be
reformulated
in
identity,
language
theory
'='
a
becomes
in a language without
(a) the symbol
identity in which
a
of
the
that
is
relation
non-logical
primitive
binary
symbol
distinguished
(re?
theory, and (b) the standard (two) logical axioms for identity become
formulated
as) proper axioms which govern the primitive binary relation
Recall
that simplifying
r is formulated
of model
'='. Now one might
argue, from considerations
theory,
symbol
in this way would not have the same expressive
that theories reformulated
as the original. The argument would be that the proper
'=' in the reformulated
only guarantee
theory would
governing
relation and not identity.
denotes an equivalence
capacity
axioms
that '='
is straightforward,
If the it?
to this argument
however.
response
use
at
the end of the previous
of the word
alicized
paragraph
'identity'
in model
is supposed to denote some relation that is primitive
theory, then
we simply point out that from the point of view of the present metaphysics,
Página 29
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)there is no such primitive relation. 0 uses both a defined notion of identity
theory of identity.29 To defend 0, we get to assume that it is
true and that, consequently,
the facts about identity are as the theory says.
and a proper
So, unless
in some way, its theory of
that theory is shown to be defective
The argument from
model-theoretic
notion.
the
trumps
primitive
identity
to the object theorist.
model-theory
unpersuasive
simply becomes
to de?
if the italicized use of the word
However,
'identity' is supposed
note the notion of identity defined as 'exemplifying
the same properties',
that definition
is correct (i.e., consistent
then the question becomes whether
substitution of identicals). From the point of view of
with the unrestricted
of identity is not correct; the identity of indis?
0, this standard definition
It
cernibles
(i.e., ordinary) objects.
correctly applies only to non-abstract
x
are
are
a
and y that
distinct
is
abstract objects
theorem of 0 that there
(in the sense that they encode different properties)
There are so many abstract
the same properties!30
tional mode of predication,
namely exemplification,
but which
objects
cannot
exemplify
that the tradi?
always
discern
objects that encode different properties.
concern to rest by showing how
We may also put the model-theoretic
our notion of identity for abstract objects, defined in (4) as 'encoding the
same properties',
the work it should do. We show that, using
does precisely
abstract
(III), whenever
simplification
our metaphysics
guarantees
x and y are objects of x and x \= x=Ty,
then
that x and y are identical in the sense defined
by (4).
in the
this, recall that when we have a theory r expressed
to
that
has
been
of
reformulated
identity
language
according
simplifying
the new relation
(III), the proper axioms of x that govern
assumption
symbol =r become added to 0 as the axioms (16) and (17):
To
see
x \= x=Tx
(16)
r \= x=Ty
-> VF(Fjc
=
Fy)
(17)
that (17) tells us that it is a truth in x that: if x and y are x -identical,
x
then
and y exemplify
the same properties.
(Note also that the quantifica?
concern
tion over properties might be sufficient to put the model-theoretic
Note
to rest.)
Now
then x=y.
we want
to show
So assume
that if x and y are objects
the claims
ObjectOf(x, x)
ObjectOf(y, x)
required
of r and x
by the antecedent:
Página 30
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
* ?=x=Ty
Then
by (17) and our Rule
(?)
of Closure,
it follows
that:
x \=VF(Fjc = Fy)
to show x=y, we have to show that x and y encode the same proper?
ties. Without
loss of generality, we simply prove that if x encodes P, then
Now
P, since the converse uses the same reasoning.
P. Since x is an object of r, we may appeal
our
to conclude:
Axiom
of
Reduction
(14)
y encodes
x encodes
xF =
So suppose that
to the Corollary
x \= Fx
So since x encodes
that r (= Px. We can now appeal to (?)
P, it follows
to infer that x \= Py. But y is also an object of r,
of Closure
and our Rule
and so the Corollary
yF
=
to the Reduction
Axiom
implies:
x \= Fy
is what we had to show.
P, which
x and y are r-objects
that are
So, from the point of view of 0, whenever
x
are
same
our
concludes
that
and
the
abstract
r-identifical,
y
metaphysics
object. Thus, anything true of the one is true of the other.
So y encodes
5.2.
Some Further
Theorems
some interesting consequences
of the the?
In this subsection, we describe
in the last section. Consider
the ordinary
axiom of ST
proved
orems
that 0 is a set. This
theory-prefixed
simple
axiom
exemplifies
(49)
of Closure
introduced
into 0
as the analytic,
(21):
ST h 5st0st
The Rule
claim was
(21)
and ?-Conversion
the property
immediately
a property that 0nt
of being
yield
that in ST, Sst
exemplifies:
ST f= [kG{i)G0st]5st
now proceed to show that from (21) and (49), we can derive two further
the higher-order
that 0St encodes Sst, and that Sst encodes
facts, namely
We
property
(50)
[?G G0stL
0st5st
In formal
terms, we prove
the following:
Página 31
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)247
SST[kG{i)G0ST]
to derive
(50), recall
that we proved
(29) in the previous
section:
0STF = ST \=F0ST (29)
In light of this, (50) is an immediate
consequence
section:
that we proved (38) in the previous
=
SST/r??? ST \=FSst
of (21). Recall
also
(38)
of (49).
in virtue of this, (51) is an immediate consequence
on
We might
the fact that if there is an atomic
reflect for a moment
Now
relational
represented
of theory
as the following
r of
axiom
the form Uk\K2,
of 0:
the following
as consequences:
axiom
not only would
it be
X \= Y\TK\xKlx,
but it would
also have
KU[kx nTXK2r]
K2r[kx T\TK\TX]
nT[?F
All
three encoding
Fk1tk2t]
claims would
therefore
be theorems
of 0.
we
the consequences
of those theorems of amath?
Finally,
contemplate
ematical theory which are expressed by molecular
and quantified formulas.
For example, consider the axiom of ST which asserts that no set is a mem?
ber of 0. As we
noted
above,
this becomes
the following
axiom
0:
ST \=^3x(SSTx & x gst 0st)
By now familiar
reasoning,
this axiom
of 0
(22)
implies
(52)
0ST[V ->3x(SSTx & x Gst y)]
(53)
SST[?F(/) -*3x(Fx & x GST0ST)]
(54)
GST [kG{iJ)-3jc(Sst* & GxOST)]
the following:
Página 32
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
With
these
in mind,
consequences
N. ZALTA
we
now
the language and theorems of ordinary
and the theorems of our extended 0 on the other.
between
hand,
the relationship
on the one
mathematics
reconsider
6. ANALYSIS
OF (ORDINARY) MATHEMATICAL
LANGUAGE
2, we divided the true statements of ordinary math?
ematical language into the basic ones, which begin with the theory operator
of the basic statements are:
and the non-basic ones, which don't. Examples
Recall
that in Section
set is a set.
(A)
In ST, the empty
(B)
In ST, no set is a member
of the empty
set.
correct truth conditions)
of these
Clearly, the analyses (i.e., philosophically
into our formal system as (21)
claims are given by their direct translations
and (22), respectively:
ST |= Sst0st
(21)
ST \=-3x(SST* & x Gst 0st)
These
analyses
reveal
(22)
that the truth conditions
for these
statements
Note
that our truth conditions
determined.31
compositionally
a
account
the abstract individuals
of
philosophical
panied by
relations
member
The
as asserted
biguous
are accom?
and abstract
of the expressions
that serve as the denotations
'ST',
as
occur
in (A) and (B).
and
set'
of,
they
'empty
these same statements without
However, when we consider
first:
prefix, we have several interpretative options. Consider
empty
in the context
in the present
exemplification
set is a set.
reading
are
'set',
'is a
the theory
(ST2)
am?
becomes
simple predication
one
atomic
the
the
hand,
following
of ST. This
theory. On
of this claim
is false:
(ST2*) Sst0st
add
Though 0 doesn't assert that this formula is false, we may consistently
in
is grounded
that this assumption
the assumption
that it is false. Recall
on
our philosophy
it is asserted that (i) 0st encodes
which
of mathematics,
rather
than exemplifies
its mathematical
properties,
(ii) 0st
exemplifies
Página 33
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)as being non-red, being non-round, being thought about by
the reader now, etc., and (iii) 0st is complete with respect to the exem?
of properties but not with respect to the encoding of properties.
plification
such properties
these philosophical
ideas,
on its sleeve, do not obtain.
Given
wears
its traditional
formal
0
However,
is an atomic
offers
encoding
saw in the previous
we
rendition
a reading
of (ST2*), which
it
read as (ST2*), both (ST2) and
turn out to be false.
the truth conditions
So when
as (ST2')
for (ST2) on which
claim which
it turns out true. (50)
true but a theorem of 0, as
is not only
subsection:
0stSst
Given
(50)
the ambiguity
in language
described
So we have
legitimate reading for (ST2).
is true. (This preserves
the intuition
true.32) In this sense,
in Section
a
2, (50) becomes
a sense in which
(ST2)
recovered
that they are saying
that
says
(ST2) is about the
of mathematicians
our analysis
something
set 0st.
Note
that our analysis
that we might
suggests
equally well have re?
as
a
statement
about
the
abstract
garded (ST2)
property of being an ST set.
Our work
in the previous
a true reading
asserts
suggests that theorem
statement (ST2):
of the ordinary
Sst[aGG0st]
This
subsection
(51) also offers
(51)
that the property of being an ST-set encodes
the property of
that 0st exemplifies.
On this reading, our analysis
says
is about the abstract property of being an ST-set.
a property
being
that (ST2)
We'll
moment.
discuss
No
We
assert
the fact that (ST2) has alternative
But first, consider
set is a member
that (ST3)
true readings
in just a
(ST3):
of the empty
is false when
represented
set.
(ST3)
as the formal
claim:
(ST3*)-3x(Sst*&xGst0st)
However,
any of the formal representations
(52), (53), or (54), which
turned up as theorems
in the previous
subsection,
provide us with a true
reading of (ST3):
0ST?V -3*(Sst*
& x Gst y)] (52)
SST[?F(/) ^3x(Fx & x GST0st)1
Página 34
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
GST [kG{u) ^3x(SSTx & Gjc0st)]
(54)
(ST3) is not only about 0St but also about the property of being a setsT and
about the relation of memberships^
In some sense, it doesn't matter which
of theorems (52)-(54) we assign to (ST3) as the disambiguated
condition
it is true. From
under which
the other
two, by appealing
any one of these statements, we
to the Corollary
to the Reduction
can recover
Axiom
and
?-Conversion.
we can take our analysis of (ST3) one step further. Let us
However,
define an extended sense of 'encodes' in terms of which we can say that the
0st, Sst, and Gst encode the following
complex
an individual /,
property F{l), and relation G(m)
abstract
objects
namely,
being
-^3x(Fx
ScGxy). The intuitive idea here is to define 'x, y, and z encode /?'
as the conjunction
of x[ku Ruyz],
and z[ku Rxyu].
y[ku Rxuz],
('xyzR')
To employ
this idea in the case at hand, we
can let the following
relation,
such that
notation
be defined as the conjunction of (52), (53), and (54):
(55)
0StSst eST [?/F(/)G(M> -^3x(Fx & Gxy)]
is a relational expression
the ?-expression
of the
(In the above notation,
are
can
use
F
and
G
form [kyFG
in
which
all
bound
We
the
y,
?.)
x/r],
by
this newly defined statement of 0, and the truth conditions
it encapsulates,
it is true. Similarly, whereas we take the
of (ST3) on which
translation
(ST3*) of (ST3r) to be false, (55) offers a way
straightforward
a truth.
as
to understand
(ST30
representing
as the reading
an
for constructing
course, this leads to a very general
technique
a complex
that expresses
the reading under which
condition
encoding
a
x
true.
sentence
is
that r
S
of
mathematical
theory
ordinary
Suppose
Of
has been
formulated
traditional
formal
in classical
exemplification
exemplification
logic and that cp is the
statement which
renders S.
precisely
(As an example, let S be (ST3) and let cpbe (ST3').) Let the primitive
constants
of <pbe listed as tch,...,
and predicates
Ktn. Then
nonlogical
let
of
where k{1 ,..., K{n are the new corresponding
0,
(p* be the
symbols
<
we
sentence of 0 which results when
i < n).
substitute k** for k?x in cp (1
cp is (ST3'), (p* is (ST3*).) Then, as
(Continuing with our example, when
are
or
not
and
S
theorems of x, cp* is to be regarded
we've
whether
seen,
<p
as false (though if (p is a theorem of r, we know that r |= ^>* is true).
However,
and only
there is a statement
let cp~ be
generality,
occurrences
for all the
tively,
a metaphysical
truth if
expresses
of x. To specify this statement in complete
new variables
the result of substituting
ytl,...,
ytn
of 0 which
if cpand S are theorems
expressions
k^ , respec?
k[x ,...,
be the result of substituting
the variable ah
of the non-logical
in (p*, and let i/rfa**/kh)
Página 35
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)of the (constant or predicate)
symbol ku in \//.We
as the reading
in the following
definition
for all the occurrences
may then use the definiendum
which captures the mathematical
...
[Ay"
truth underlying
q>:
y'? 0T]
=df
K J
... &
K*Tl[kytl(p*(ytl/K?)] &
Kf?[kytn<p*"(ytn
!'<")]
*?...<?
It should be clear that when
(55) is taken as an example
of the definiendum
in (56), the conjunction of (52), (53), and (54) is an example of the
definiens.
us
allows
to represent
the truth conditions
for ordinary
or
of
(ST3'))
(e.g., (ST3)
arbitrary complexity
in terms of a single defined formula of 0. It should also be clear that the
definiens of (56) is derivable as a theorem of 0 whenever
cp is a theorem of
x. This sets up a correlation - each theorem of an
arbitrary mathematical
can
a
be
correlated
with
of
theorem
0
that
is unprefixed by the
theory
(56)
statements
mathematical
theory operator! At this point, itmay be that enough has been said to give
the reader a sense of how the (ordinary) language of mathematics
is to be
analyzed.
Before
we
objection
that might
metaphysics.
perspective.
turn to the final
section,
it is important
to address
our reduction of mathematics
be raised against
The objection
criticizes
the reduction
Itmight go as follows:33
one
to
from a model-theoretic
In various
mathematical
are not uniquely
of the objects
identifiable
theories,
many
by
in the language
of the theory. An example might
be real number
descriptions
expressible
reals are nameable
in a standard
in
many
theory, where
only countably
Indeed,
language.
some mathematical
none of the objects
are identifiable,
for reasons
of symmetry.
theories,
are classical
and Cantor's
linear orderings
without
Examples
geometries
theory of dense
In models
of
endpoints.
sesses exactly
the same
distinct
objects
There
are actually
about
these
of the domain
every element
pos?
for
T.
the
So
you can't reduce all the
meaningful
theory
to distinct
abstract objects.
homogeneous
properties
of these theories
theories,
two separate questions
theories which assert the existence
identifiable
theories
raised here, namely, what to do
of objects that are not uniquely
in the theory, and what to do about
by descriptions
expressible
assert the existence
which
of distinct
symmetrical
objects. The
two questions
are related, however. They both arise because
the model
theoretic conception
of the 'objects of a theory is rather different from the
which we defined above as (12). On the model
metaphysical
conception,
an 'object of a theory is any element of any domain
conception,
of quantification
that is part of the intended model
of the theory. The
uses this definition
to claim that there can be objects
model-theoretician
of a mathematical
since the theory has no
theory that are inexpressible,
terms to denote them. What
well-defined
analysis does 0 offer when this
is the case?
theoretic
Página 36
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
I think there are two parts to an effective
response to this objection. The
first part of the response
is to point out that the model-theoretic
objection,
in some deep sense, begs the question as an argument against our founda?
assumes
the model-theoretic
definition
objection
set
of 'object of and so uses mathematical
the
theoretic
(e.g.,
language
notions of domain, model,
that
satisfaction,
etc.), thereby presupposing
the semantics of that language is clear. But the semantics of mathematical
tional metaphysics.
The
language is precisely what
an account of mathematical
is in question.
reference
Our ontological
project is to give
and truth in terms of a more basic,
which
mathematics-free
presuppose
language and theory. So objections
an account of reference and truth in terms of mathematical
(the
language
lose their force. Model
of which, after all, is in question)
theory
a
to
is
mathematical
that
becomes
another
theory
subject
metaphysical
just
tells us what the terms of model
reduction. Our metaphysics
theory refer
semantics
to and tells us the sense
The
second
claim
sophical
are to account
in which
its claims
are true.
is to reiterate the metaphilo
response
part of an effective
tasks of a philosophy
of mathematics
that the two principal
and truth. A philosophy
the referents of the well-defined
for reference
of mathematics
must
terms and predicates
describe
the conditions
under
but also precisely
turn out to be true. We now have ac?
which
the theorems of mathematics
reference
is given by
the analysis of mathematical
both tasks
complished
truth is given by (56). The model
(47) and the analysis of mathematical
not only identify
of mathematical
theories
conditions
can be put to rest by the facts that we have
objection
in 0 for every sentence of an arbitrary mathematical
that we
can correlate
theoretic
stated
truth
theory and
an
mathematical
of
every
theory
arbitrary
with a theorem of (extended) 0 that is unprefixed
by the theory operator.
a mistake
to suppose that in order to answer the on?
It therefore becomes
the
about
what
theory are,
objects of a mathematical
tological question
theorem
has to be able to give
metaphysics
or model of that theory.34
interpretation,
a foundational
relative
7.
PHILOSOPHICAL
a classical
reduction,
OBSERVATIONS
and relations of arbitrary mathematical
that the individuals
By showing
found in the
and abstract relations
theories are just abstract individuals
case
a
the main
for
of
we've
0,
prima facie
produced
ontology
typed
thesis of this paper. Of course, 0 has to be extended with new primitive
truths of the form r |= <p*, and with the analyses
symbols, with analytic
to be true, namely, MathTheory(x),
of statements which everyone assumes
theories x. But the resulting system allows
for recognizable
mathematical
Página 37
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)us to prove what many other philosophers
atical objects are abstract objects. Since 0
of
fall
logic and metaphysics,35
into a more fundamental
reduction
we
of one kind of entity
stipulate, namely, that mathem?
includes only primitive notions
can conclude
that mathematical
objects
ontological
category.
to another.
This
is an ontological
Of course, there are numerous philosophical
issues that arise in connec?
our metaphysical
reduction. Many of those issues were addressed
tion with
(1995) and we shall not rehearse them in any detail
here. We shall, however, consider the question of mathematical
objectivity,
but before we do so, it is important to consider
the extent to which
the
in Linsky
and Zalta
a kind of neo-logicism.
present theory constitutes
we have presented 0 as a proper metaphysical
sion principle
be a synthetic
there is a way
more
this essay,
Throughout
theory. The comprehen?
most
reasonable
by
lights, to
for abstract
objects appears,
truth and not an analytic truth of logic. However,
to restate the comprehension
so that it looks much
principle
a priori
like a truth of
like an analytic
truth. I shall
logic, or at least more
that this reformulated
version of comprehension
is a truth of
or
some
but
it
will
be
that
would
logic
analytic,
recognized
philosophers
conclude
that it is. Our theory of abstract objects could have been presented
not claim
the comprehension
by replacing
canonical descriptions
(7):
& VF?(xF
ijc'(A!<'>jc
By elevating
this theorem
principle
(3) by the theorem
governing
= <p))G? =
(7)
<pf?l
to the status of an axiom, with
that all canonical
the understanding
(stipulation)
descriptions
objects denote, we
have an equivalent
formulation
of 0. Moreover,
if one considers what (7)
then it clearly has 'the ring' of an analytic truth: the abstract object
asserts,
that encodes
such that (p encodes property G iff G is
just the properties
of abstract
such that (p. So is (7) an analytic truth? If so, does 0, when reformulated
in this way, become a part of logic?36 If the answers to these two questions
are 'Yes', then our ontological
reduction of mathematical
objects might
constitute a kind of neo-logicism.
As mentioned
earlier, I do not claim that (7) is an analytic or a lo?
truth.
to the following
At
'abstraction' principle
best, it is analogous
gical
'set abstracts')
as a substitute
that might
be employed
for
(governing
(ST5):
z G {y Iy G x & Fy} =
this also has
Although
a contextual
definition,
the ring
I doubt
zex&Fz
of an analytic
as
truth when
introduced
that it is analytic when
introduced
Página 38
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)basic
EDWARD
N. ZALTA
notation
that governs
the primitive
'{y
some philosophers
have argued that axioms
axiom
However,
and the above
G x & Fy}\
to (7)
analogous
\y
are analytic. Using
abstraction
(1884)
Frege's
principle
as a guide, Wright
Context Principle
(1983) argues that Hume's Principle
= #G = F ?
considers
the
truth.37 If Wright
G) is an analytic
(#F
a
to
to
second-order
be
result of adding Hume's
Principle
logic
logical
then it would
system ('number-theoretic
logicism'),
to
have
regard the result of adding (7) to the logic
gical
there are, in the literature,
the analytic character
concerning
Of course,
system.
Boolos
calls
that he would
as a lo?
of encoding
of
trenchant criticisms
of Hume's Principle.38
at length on another occasion,
I shall
to
between
that the relationship
(7) and (3) is analogous
claim
that
and
the
existence
between Hume's
Principle
Wright's
position
Since I hope to discuss
simply observe
the relationship
seem
these
issues
in his (1987).39 The conclusion
I wish to draw at
constitutes
that the above treatment of mathematics
'Numbers'
is simply
this point
a kind of neo-logicism
ifWright's
can be sustained.40
claim
about
of Hume's
the analyticity
Principle
next, the question of mathematical
Consider,
objectivity. No doubt, it
will be argued that if every mathematical
theory is about a distinctive
to account
for mathe?
then there is no way
group of abstract objects,
our
modulo
of
the natural
classical
reduction
matical
But,
objectivity.41
in
is correctly described
if mathematical
numbers,
Linsky and
objectivity
Zalta (1995) and Field (1998b) as being limited to the objectivity of logical
then there is no special problem of mathematical
theory.42 These works deny that there is a single,
consequence,
for the above
true set theory, that there is an objective
fact of the matter
are perfectly
true
there
the axiom of foundation
is
(for
good
set theories),
founded
objectivity
objectively
as to whether
and that there is a fact of the matter
non-well
as to the size of
(there are perfectly
good set theories which differ
answer to the size to the continuum).
Each set theory is simply
relation.
different membership
the continuum
in their
about
a
(p. 401) that an account of mathemat?
Though Field (1998b) concludes
is more important than an account of mathematical
ical objectivity
objects,
to say that philosophers
need a correct account
itmay be more perspicuous
of both
objects
mentioned
of mathematics:
if they are to have a comprehensive
philosophy
are to objectivity what reference
is to truth. In addition to the ways
in notes
17, 27, 31, and 32, the present analysis
supplements
as follows:
(a) it gives a correct account of mathematical
Field's
work
objects
that is consistent
(b) it explains
develops,43
in Field
discussed
cepts,
he
the view of mathematical
objectivity
con?
in our mathematical
the indeterminacy
the idea that our
(1994), without
abandoning
with
Página 39
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)mathematical
denote particular mathematical
relations, and (c)
predicates
an account of the meaningfulness
of the language of inconsistent
mathematical
theories.44 This last fact deserves a brief discussion.
it offers
The analysis of mathematical
above extends even
language described
to inconsistent mathematical
theories. To take a classic example,
consider
der Arithmetik.
there has been
Frege's Grundgesetze
Recently,
sance of interest in this work and it has become
the subject
of many
there are
logical investigations.
of pages of formulas
in Frege's
special script, and des?
the inconsistency
of the system, these formulas are meaningful!
How
philosophical
hundreds
many
In the Grundgesetze,
and
a renais?
pite
are we
to describe
of this language? The answer given by
terms
is
that
the
and predicates
of Frege's
theory
language
abstract objects
that encode properties
that are inconsistent
with
the semantics
the present
denote
one another.45 Of
course, the objects of an inconsistent
theory r will be
for
will
encode
all
in r).46 That
(formulable
they
uninteresting,
properties
to
mathematicians
avoid
inconsistent
theories.
try
explains why
postulating
But note that we now have a unified semantics of mathematical
language.47
It is now important to reflect on the features of metaphysical
reduc?
tions that contrast with other forms of reduction. Clearly, our metaphysical
reductions
ematical
are not classical
for the theorems of arbitrary math?
reductions,
a
theories T do not constitute
extension
subtheory of a definitional
our metaphysical
of 0. Moreover,
reductions
of the objects
theories do not show that those mathematical
mathematical
of arbitrary
theories are
in 0. Nor are we using 0 to build models
for arbit?
relatively interpretable
theories. We are not claiming
that mathematical
notions
rary mathematical
can be defined in terms of the notions of pure logic and metaphysics.
Nor
are we
that we can get along without
the proper axioms of math?
creative
the
with
axioms,
by being
logical axioms, non-logical
and definitions
a new kind of reduction,
of 0. Instead, we've
developed
suggesting
ematics
which
a sense,
yields a precise philosophical
our metaphysical
reductions
account
of mathematical
constitute
a distinctive
In
objects.
new kind of
for every theorem cp of an arbitrary mathematical
interpretation,
r
can
be correlated with a (specially-identified)
theorem of extended
theory
the definiens
we should draw
of (56). I think one conclusion
0, namely,
from all of this is that no matter how mathematicians
carry on with their
relative
work
and no matter
how
the mathematics
turn out,
might
and
something metaphysically
precise
circumspect
the subject matter of the resulting mathematics
and about the
semantic analysis of the language used to express it.48
philosophers
to say about
proper
There
will
is one final observation
it is fascinating
they produce
have
(and possibly
tomake
insightful)
before we conclude, namely, that
to consider that many of the ideas
Página 40
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARD
N. ZALTA
the metaphysical
reduction of mathematical
a certain
far presuppose
'platonist'
interpretation
about
In the present
the quantifiers
paper, we have
of 0, in which
the predicate
'F!"
is read
thus
objects expressed
of the formalism
of 0.
the 'Quinean' understanding
employed
'3' is read 'there exists'
the quantifier
'is concrete".
On
this understanding,
0
of
and
asserts
and relations)
that couldn't possibly
(individuals
objects
of the comprehension
is just a consequence
(3)
principle
one can give the formalism of
and the definition
(1) of 'abstract'. However,
that there exist
be concrete.
This
a 'fictionalist'
reading, by using the 'Meinongian'
reading of the quan?
'3' as 'there is' (with no implication
of existence)
and by reading the
as
asserts
'F!'
that there are objects
'exists'. On this reading, 0
predicate
0
tifier
exist. On such a fictionalist
(and couldn't possibly)
reading of
can
are
one
abstract
since
don't
exist. So
that
0,
say
fictions,
objects
they
more
to
mathematical
become
reduced
the
objects
general
metaphysically
that don't
category of fiction.49 The fact that 0 has these two fundamental
readings
of the platonist and fic?
is, in our opinion, what grounds the 'equivalence'
in Balaguer
of mathematics
described
tionalist philosophies
(1998).50 The
to
how
it
consider
of
the remarks
reader might find
worthwhile
many
just
made
in this last section
described
by this alternative
readjustment,
apply, with minor
of
the
formalism
of 0.
reading
to the fictions
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am indebted
its Director,
to the Center
John Perry,
and Information
and
for the Study of Language
like to thank
for supporting my research. I would
and
Linsky, Chris Menzel,
Karl-Georg
Niebergall,
the
all of whom
draft
read
carefully
penultimate
Colyvan, Bernard
an anonymous
referee,
for improvement.
Thanks also goes to Sol
and offered many
suggestions
for valuable
and Brent Mundy
Feferman, Allen Hazen, Thomas Hofweber,
Mark
discussions
Godehard
Logic
about
Link
like to thank
herein. Finally, Iwould
to the workshop
in
of
Reduction
Concepts
was
this material
first
1997), where
(in September
the ideas contained
for inviting me
and Philosophy
presented.
NOTES
1 See also Zalta
(1993) or (1999) for briefer sketches of the theory and specific
applications.
2 See the final
chapters of Zalta (1983) and (1988).
3 See
Carnap
(p. 6), Quine (1976) (p. 218), and Jubien (1969) (p. 534).
Página 41
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)4 For relative
interpretability, see Tarski et al. ( 1953), Feferman ( 1960), andVisser ( 1998).
See Feferman (1988) (or (1998a)) for the definition and discussion of 'proof-theoretic
see Niebergall
in which
of model-theoretic
the notions
(this volume),
Finally,
are critically
are proposed.
for the reducibility
and axioms
reduction
discussed
relation
5
x that might
concrete
We
call
have been
In formal
individuals
'ordinary
objects'.
terms: 0\x
that ordinary
It is axiomatic
fail to encode
OE\x.
individuals
necessarily
=df
reduction'.
properties.
6
More
specifically,
is an axiom:
the following
=
-* z = x) & tfr*),
&
x//lyX(p 3x(<p Vz(r?
or identity
for any atomic
To
accomodate
be
'free' with
governing
formula
\// (y)
in which
y is free.
so as to
the classical
is modified
quantification
only
descriptions,
theory
to formulas
the above
axiom
Moreover,
containing
descriptions.
respect
is a logical
descriptions
that is not
truth
a necessary
truth
(for
the descriptions
denote rigidly what they denote at the actual world). So the classical S5 modal logic is
of contingent
only to admit the presence
logical
on the above
not be applied
to any line that depends
modified
truths
(the Rule
of Necessitation
may
7
More
axiom
governing
descriptions).
...xn=
[ky\
...yn
[Xyi
where
=
...yn(p]
.y'n <p'l
fry[.
are alphabetic
the two ?-expressions
an axiom
It is also
are axioms:
the following
specifically,
<p]x\
(PylZlyn
that:
=
[Xyi...ynFnyi...yn]
an
Thus,
specifically,
a relation
course,
can
be
intersubstitutable
for
the
relation
symbol
that
is a theorem:
the following
.
..Vxn(Fnxi
3FnnWxi
where
(p has no free Fs,
Of
Fn
is
'elementary'
?-expression
in that expression.
appears
8
More
variants.
...xn=(p),
no encoding
in terms
specified
subformulas,
of
a formula
and no descriptions.
a definite
cp containing
=
description ixy if it is first proved that 3y(y
ix<p).
9 More
the
definition
of
specifically,
identity proceeds by first defining identity for
properties F1 and G1:
F1 = G1 =df Oix{xFl
In terms
define
of
identity
this definition,
we
for propositions.
p = q=df
V^yp]
employ
Using
=
=
xGX)
with
?-expressions
vacuously
and
instead
of 'F0' and
'/?'
V
fry q]
bound
variables
define:
Página 42
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)25 8 EDWARDN. ZALTA
a definition
in
of relation
for n -place
relations
(n
2) is constructible
identity
Finally,
one of the presentations
terms of identity
for properties.
readers may
consult
of
Interested
(9 cited in the text.
10
this work.
the formal
definitions
here for those readers
unfamiliar
with
We
provide
we give
E and
In these definitions,
the symbols
(For
|= the narrowest
scope.
possible
=
=
'uj f= p -+ p'
is to be read
p' and
'?xp
example,
p' is to be read as '(H*/?)
=
\= p) -> p'.) We define: (1) x encodes p ('Ejcp')
x[ky p]; (2) World(x) =
=
=
w
true
at
is
('w |= p')
E^p; (4)Maximal(w) = Vp(w \= p
p); (3) p
OVp(SJcp
as \w
vio
(5) Consistent
->
->
\= p & D(p
#)]
[= ~,p);
[w
(w)
u;
=
-?3p(w;
|= p & w
|= #; and
(7) Actual(w)
=
\= ->/?); (6) Modally-closediw)
=
->
|= p
Vp(u;
p). See Zalta
(1993) for further discussion.
11
Using the formal definitions supplied in the previous footnote, principles (a) (g) in the
text become the following theorems of 0: (a) VwMaximal(w)\ (b) Vu;Consistent(w)\ (c)
=
3w(w \= p);
VwModally-closed(w); (d) 3\wActual(w)', (e) Dp = Vw(w \= p); (f) Op
and
=
\= p
(g) Wp(w
w'
\= p)
-^ w =
See Zalta
w'.
for the proofs.
(1993)
12See Zalta
(1983) for the initial sketches. However, Zalta (2000) has a comprehensive
treatment
Plato.
13
We
these
(x, y),
(its weak
3FVxVy(Fxy
3FVxVy(Fxy
by
Precedes^
of ?.
Then
first
defining
(x, y)9
#p
(1983)
=
of metaphysics,
and Zalta
(1995) has
of mathematics
was
something
to offer
first
exemplifies
therefore
be
F
nor
encodes
in the sense
the negation
'fictionalist'
'platonist'
5.
to justify
of abstract
in Zalta
form
guise
and platonist
and will
neither
of
in its
y))
however.
this project,
in a kind
sketched
7.
the theory in Section.
16
its
mathematical
encodes
7T^
properties
only
F such that n^
sense
that there are properties
is complete
However,
7r^, like all other objects,
or n^
and
Fs'),
Section
(1999),
especially
in some detail
VI) and then articulated
will be said about the fictionalist
(1995). More
F
See Zalta
objects.
the epistemologist
concerned
if they assert the existence
axioms
7% exemplifies
of
notions
of
& Wu(AGu -+ u ?E
#G) -> 03y(E\y
(Chapter
and Zalta
technical
('the number
are axioms:
the following
concrete
The variable
'w' here ranges over possibly
14
also hold some interest for
The reductions
may
individuals.
Linsky
15
This philosophy
the
treatment
=
Precedes(x, y))
=
Precedes^(x, y))
3x(NaturalNumber(x)&x
the foundational
a comprehensive
has
(2000)
formally
ancestral)
in the language
NaturalNumber(x)
and Zalta
axioms
rendered
Precedes
Pelletier
and
of Leibniz,
in Linsky
of
interpretations
in the
'incomplete'
the negation
that for any property
of F.
F,
either
of F.
17Note the similarities and differences with Field
(1980) and (1989). We agree with Field
that the standard
However,
unlike
sentences
are
(he accepts
positional
true! We
that
also
'In number
truth conditions
play
predicates
18
It is important
relations
complex
19
(exemplification)
Field, we shall
agree
are false.
sentences
mathematical
of unprefixed
readings
on which
mathematical
these unprefixed
offer a reading
with
Field
theory, 2+2=4'
for these claims
that
statements
is true),
the theory-prefixed
but unlike Field,
we
in which
the denotations
of
are
true
offer
com?
the constants
and
not guarantee
the existence
subformulas.
of encoding
of
shall
a role!
to remember
and propositions
that ?-Conversion
definable
See, for example, Frege (1893/1903).
in terms
does
Página 43
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)See,
for example,
Hempel
This
pretheoretic
that we might
ability
define
gests
by a sentence
259
(1945).
are mathematical
which
and constants
sug?
predicates
as
denoted
mathematical
any proposition
proposition'
'purely
consists
and,
vocabulary
predicates
only of mathematical
non-logical
whose
to judge
But such a definition
involves
both (a) devices
constants.
mathematical
obviously
possibly,
introduce
and (b) semantic
notions. We won't
for mentioning
of language
officially
pieces
have to worry
about semantic
into (9, for then we would
these devices
and notions
para?
doxes.
it may
Moreover,
be
of a purely
the notion
that
mathematical
can
proposition
be
defined without introducing these devices and notions into ?. But I will not pursue the
here.
question
The
proof
on theorem
depends
Suppose MathTheory{T).
canonical
(7) governing
are rigidly
the logical axiom
(6) that encoded
properties
encoded
the properties
that T encodes
exactly
ixl (A\x & VF(jcF = 3p(T
(?
) So assume
descriptions
of abstract
objects:
Then, by the definition of identity for abstract objects (4) and
P
that T encodes
|= p & F =
(to show
we
encoded,
simply
have
to show
by:
[ky p]))).
that the individual
just described
encodes
P).
It then follows from the definition of amathematical theory (8) that 3q(P = [ky q]). So
suppose P = [ky q\\. Then T encodes [ky q\\. So, by the definition of truth in a theory
(9), we
therefore
know:
=
T\=qi&P
[kyqi]
From which it follows:
3p(T
So by
the theorem
=
\=p&P
[ky p])
canonical
governing
descriptions
ixl (A\x & VF(xF = 3p(T
which
is what
we
to show.
had
(to show
follows
that T
encodes
P).
Then,
it follows
that:
that:
\= p & F = [ky p]))) encodes P.
the
theorem
about
q2. So we
know:
canonical
descriptions
(7),
it
that:
3p(T Y=p8cP =
So,
by
(7),
\= p & F = [ky p]))) encodes P,
(??) Assume
ixl (A\x & VF(jcF = 3p(T
of abstracta
let us call
an arbitrary
T\=q2&P
[ky p])
such proposition
=
[kyq2\
But, by (9), the first conjunct just means that T encodes [ky qj}. So, it follows that T
encodes
is what
F, which
3
to consider
If we were
between
the abstract,
we
had
applied
mathematical
to show.
mathematical
we
objects
the ordinary,
theories,
of a theory and
would
to distinguish
non-mathematical
have
Página 44
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARDN. ZALTA
since ordinary
in our defined
objects,
theory,
and
individuals
sense. When
ordinary
with
dealing
be objects
of
may
properties
mathematical
theories,
applied
the abstract
axiom only to identify
apply the following
we need not worry
here.
about this subtlety
24
Of course,
if it is true in theory T that there
of
objects
the theory.
the applied
we would
Fortunately,
exists a unique
sort, the
object of a certain
term which
to include a well-defined
denotes
the object
in question.
theory can be extended
to existential
be subject
Such a term would
outside
the scope
generalization
by a quantifer
of the theory operator.
5
non-classical
For mathematical
theories
of
involving
logic, we have to adjust our Rule
so that we add to ? only
those claims
derivable
the
non-classical
Closure,
using
logic in
question.
Of
so that it asserts
this would
truth
if we were
course,
axiom
simplify
involves
that
When
Field
the statement
and
the above
'e^817',
urelements
of
(ST3),
the primitive
in what follows.
of ST, we would
in the formulation
revise
is an element
whatsoever
all of
to be useful
proves
to allow
that nothing
we would
no
set. But
of the empty
longer have a reasonably
notions
non-logical
use
such expressions
Balaguer
can tell us exactly which
theorems
as
of ST. Having
this
though
simple
a sentence
such
and
'e^i',
of abstracta
'sets^',
'sets^817',
in the plenitude
objects
that these expressions refer to. See Field (1994), (pp. 420-22), Field (1998a), (p. 293),
Balaguer (1995) (pp. 316-17), and Balaguer (1998), (p. 59).
28
these
Since
assert
relations
were
that
are
defined
in terms
relations,
of
encoding
and prove
they
(ordinary)
plicitly
to ?,
consistent.
added
it remains
See Zalta
(1999).
29
in (4) of
It is derivable
that x* = xl, from the definition
as a proper
asserted
we
subformulas,
that when
those
'='. Substitution
had
to ex?
are
assertions
of
is
identicals
axiom.
30This theorem is
proved and explained inZalta (1999) (Section 2), but we will not take
the time to repeat the proof
31
As soon as a philosopher
of mathematics
damental,
it then becomes
important
statements.
We
can
provide
therefore
here.
and explanation
takes
claims
such
to specify
(compositional)
the truth conditions
needed
described in Field (1989) (p. 3). Without
as (A)
(B)
to be
fun?
truth conditions
for
these
to complete
the position
and
such truth conditions, Field's position has an
a reading on which
we shall offer, in just a moment,
gap. Moreover,
important
explanatory
of (A) and (B) turn out true.
the unprefixed
portion
32
offer
Here again,
this fills another
gap in Field's
theory, for the latter doesn't
important
are true. Without
such a reading,
of mathematics
theorems
any reading on which
unprefixed
of a mystery.
become
of mathematicians
the beliefs
something
33 am
an unpublished
I think
here
from
I
and
paper by Brent Mundy.
paraphrasing
quoting
a
concern
at
in
oral
raised
similar
Allen
Hazen
he states the objection
presentations
nicely.
Hofweber
of Alberta.
And Thomas
and the University
the Australian
National
University
about the present
in a recent conversation
raised a variant of the objection
paper.
34
the present
without
linear orderings
In the case of the theory of dense
(DLO),
endpoints
out the properties
of relations
relation
the ordering
<dlo
by abstracting
theory analyzes
encode
in order
tells us the sense
in which
that <dlo
must
theory
no further
0
individuals
"there
are
ontological
which
infinitely
the present
of DLO. And
the axioms
according
are true. But then there are simply
of DLO
the sentences
in particular,
to answer;
there are no specifiable
(type
to behave
questions
constitute
objects
many
points which
of DLO
that need
to be
are
and
can be
such
such"
identified.
true
Sentences
in a mathematical
like
Página 45
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)even
theory
though
that can
everything
35 The
there
are no names
actually
be said
and no witnesses
for the points
in a mathematical
theory
to the claim.
Thus,
an account.
gets
implementation of ? deployed in this paper has the following primitives: individual
relation
and encoding
of predication),
the usual
(i.e., modes
(type), exemplification
and modal
the non-logical
and the
F!,
(->, ->, V, D, ?, 0,
primitives
primitive
of 'MathipY
notions
and 'Authorship'.
None
of these are mathematical
notions
nonlogical
constants
there are no mathematical
like 0, 0, etc., and no mathematical
such
predicates
(type),
logical
as membership,
3
This
of O
maps,
successor,
assumes
that we
can also
question
can be understood
and
properties),
and the definition
of
functions,
identicals
as
is correctly
of the theory
interpretations
that the principles
in question
37
For the uninitiated,
Hume's
of G s iff F
in second-order
of
identicals.
are
that the two other
proper
axioms
(abstract
don't
encode
(2)
so that these
does
are
turn out
axioms
not automatically
truths.
objects
Since
identity
the principle
for
to be
in (9,
the substitution
one could
constrain
though
true in every interpretation,
an argument
constitute
for thinking
logical
asserts
that the number
of F's
Principle
are equinumerous
has
(where
'equinumerous'
See the discussion
of 'number-theoretic
logicism'
and G
logic).
is defined
is identical
to the
its usual
definition
inWright
(1983),
153-54.
pp.
38
39
justify
truths. These
our non-logical
notion
'?!*',
as a proper
asserted
axiom.
Even
interpretations
an appeal to such
number
our primitives.
among
the claim
logical
for the substitution
the axiom
involves
etc.,
See, in particular, Field (1984) and Boolos (1997).
Boolos
in terms
'Frege Arithmetic'
formulates
Numbers: VF3\xVG(Gnx
= G ^
of the axiom:
F)
See (1987), p. 5 (or the reprint (1998), p. 186). Boolos discusses how Hume's Principle is
grounded
r] relation
in Numbers.
and
At
the notion
some point,
of encoding.
to discuss
I hope
the similarities
between
Boolos'
To anticipate,
the paradoxes
of encoding
compare
described inZalta (1983), Appendix A (pp. 158-59) with the paradoxes of r?described in
Boolos (1987), p. 17 (Boolos (1998), p. 198).
40
41
See Rosen
I think
for an interesting
(1993)
one way
to defend
more
account
well-developed
'mathematical
(substitute
theory'
its own
stants)
group of objects.
of each framework
least gives
an account
of
Carnap
come
of
this question.
to suggest
that each
that it simply
'linguistic
in some sense,
for
framework'),
'linguistic
presupposes
to explain
how the language
and con?
(predicates
to denote
the right relations
and objects,
and our theory at
of mathematical
the following.
(1)
that is axiomatized
frameworks.
In the present
framework,
in the very specification
con?
logical
of ?.
(2) The
range over proper?
acterize
of the second
order variables
of O is that they
understanding
as set-theoretic
where
these are not construed
entities.
The difference
sets and properties
sets merely
is vast
char?
classify
objects, whereas
properties
we are not presupposing
a definition,
based on standard
(3) Therefore,
objects.
models
of second-order
ties and
between
relations,
43As mentioned
is all
a
offers
framework'
failed
this in the case
It is important
to remember
is a primitive
notion
sequence
intended
discussion
the theory here would
be
of Carnap's
view
(1950)
language,
of
the second-order
logical
consequence
relation.
above, Field defends the view that logical objectivity (suitably qualified)
the objectivity
that there is in mathematics.
He clearly
the idea that there is
rejects
true set theory or one correct answer
to such questions
as the Continuum
Hypothesis.
Similar
claims were
in Linsky
defended
and Zalta
the specific
kind of
(1995). Moreover,
mathematical
inherent
in number
that
he
would
is
validated
in
objectivity
accept
theory
Página 46
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARDN. ZALTA
by the fact that the theory
in Zalta
and
described
(1999)
of natural
0
to some
other
view
Kronecker's
extent,
can
numbers
be
in this paper! Here
that the natural numbers
earlier
given
is where
as
a classical
reduction,
our work
substantiates,
by God
but that all the
are made
are man-made.
numbers
44 It is
interesting that in (1998b), Field (p. 398) seems to identify something like the
present account with the structuralism of Resnik (1981) and Shapiro (1989). (These works
have been superceded by Resnik (1997) and Shapiro (1997), respectively.) I believe that
the present
mathematics
45
Whereas
account
of
that encode
objects
it is a theorem
as well
P
property
a more
offers
account
of the structuralist
fine-grained
philosophy
but I shall not argue for that here.
in these works,
than that found
of 0
that ->(xF
inconsistent
as its negation
P
(9 asserts
& -aF),
properties.
(where P
There
are
the existence
abstract
of
of all kinds
that encode
objects
a
[ky ->Py]).
=df
a contradiction
for some
and that k* is an object of r. Then,
that theory r yields
now allow
(= <pand r f= -*(p will be true in (9. Not only does our Rule of Closure
Suppose
<p,both r
the new variable
to infer r ^= \?r (for any i/r), but where
\jr' is the result of substituting
we
r
we
know
that
encodes
in
infer
for
k*
k1
So,
(48),
every
|= [ky1 x/f^K*.
may
x/r,
by
yt
r-formulable
property
[kyt yfr'].
us
terms and
our semantics
accounts
of mathematical
for the denotation
At
this point,
also have a 'sense'. This Fregean
of mathematical
But the expressions
language
predicates.
sense can also be modeled
in 6. See Zalta
(1988), Chapters
(1983), Chapter VI, and Zalta
9-12.
the assignment
that whereas
Note
is independent
analysis,
that the sense of a mathematical
of
above
of
jc's conception
the object
philosophical
to extend ZF.
best way
49
a view
seems
Such
of mathematical
states
of mathematicians,
x encodes
for person
expression
This
is how we
denoted
by that expression.
beliefs.
in mathematical
and ignorance
48
therefore
also
Our work may
account
on the
expressions,
we might
suppose
involved
in
the properties
of denotations
the mental
of the
account
of Maddy
the conclusion
(1997)
supplement
of any theory that the mathematicians
language
with
for error
a
decide
precise
is the
of Wagner
to be consistent
the ontological
views
with
(1982).
exist (since
couldn't
abstract
the
that
However,
consequence
objects
possibly
as 'not the kind of thing that could exist' on this interpretation).
So al?
is defined
'abstract'
a large part of Field's
it is inconsistent
does preserve
fictionalism,
though this interpretation
are fictions
fail to exist. See Field
that contingently
with his view that numbers
(1993).
50
he takes to
what
thesis
reaches
this interesting
by sketching
'equivalence'
Balaguer
and
his versions
of platonism
and fictionalism.
of platonism
be the best version
Though
it does
have
are not axiomatized,
fictionalism
de
re mathematical
of platonism
his version
the plenitude
However,
principle.
account
for our de re mathematical
of his
principle
beliefs.
(Indeed, Balaguer
in such a way
for
that one can prove,
So FBP is not articulated
beliefs.)
of fiction?
Nor
is Balaguer's
version
abstract
individual.
is a particular
that 0zp
example,
in such
alism developed
a way
fictionalism,
philosophies
mathematical
for theory-prefixed
and
'naive' versions
of platonism
using
these two
between
kind of equivalence
that the truth conditions
can be precisely
sentences
based on a plenitude
(FBP) cannot
platonism'
rejects the claim that we have
is, like ours,
'full-blooded
But despite
specified.
on a deep
puts his finger
Balaguer
of mathematics.
Indeed, in the last chapter of (1998), Balaguer concludes both (a) that the only point of
disagreement
exist
objects
suggest
between
FBP
and
that
(b)
that the present
is on
and fictionalism
there
work,
is no
in some
fact
of
sense,
the question
whether
the matter
validates
this
of whether
idea by
mathematical
I
exist.
objects
the fact that one (and
abstract
Página 47
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)with
and nationalists
in which
platonists
the same formalism
is if they both adopted
or interpretations
of the formalism's
readings
fictionalism,
then
fictionalist,
is better,
the only)
substance
possibly
issue of
on only
disagree
to express
their theory
is the most
if there
formulation
articulate
no
is really
then one might,
fact
'existential'
but
If the
quantifier.
of both
and
plenitudinous
platonism
as to which
or
reading,
platonist
that there
reach the conclusion
descent',
the matter
of
is no fact of the matter
as to whether
by 'semantic
abstract objects
understand
conclusions
(a) and
Balaguer's
one
could
way
different
formalism
of O
263
I think
exist.
(b) in the last chapter
is the proper
this
of his
to
way
(1998).
REFERENCES
Balaguer,
M.:
Press,
Oxford.
Balaguer,
M.:
G.:
Boolos,
Platonism
1995,
'A Platonist
P.:
Benacerraf,
and Anti-Platonism
1998,
Epistemology',
'What Numbers
Could Not
1965,
of Frege's
'The Consistency
1987,
in Mathematics,
103,
Synthese
Oxford
University
303-325.
74, 47-73.
Be',
Review,
Philosophical
Foundations
of Arithmetic',
in J. Thomson
(ed.), On Being and Saying, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA; reprinted in Boolos
(1998),
183-201.
pp.
in R. Heck
G.: 1997,
'Is Hume's
and
(ed.), Logic, Language,
Analytic?',
Principle
Oxford
in Boolos
Press, Oxford;
(1998),
pp. 301-314.
Thought,
University
reprinted
G.:
and Logic, Harvard
MA.
Boolos,
1998, Logic,
Press, Cambridge,
Logic,
University
R.:
Structure
R. George
of
1967, The Logical
(trans.), University
of the World,
Carnap,
California
Press, Berkeley.
Boolos,
R.:
Carnap,
'Empiricism,
4, 20-40.
Philosophie,
Feferman,
S.:
1998,
Feferman,
S.:
1998a,
'What
in Feferman
(1998),
'Hilbert's
matics',
S.:
Feferman,
Journal
Feferman,
S.:
menta
Mathematicae
H.:
Field,
Press,
'Which
1998b,
Blackwell,
H.:
Field,
P. French,
T. Uehling,
H.
Oxford.
of Mathe?
Analysis
Proof-Theoretical
Mathematical
Truth
(eds),
and Foundational
in a General
Setting',
Funda?
Sentences
Have
Determinate
Truth
and Mathematics,
and Mathematical
Objectivity
Contemporary
Objects',
in the Foundations
Readings
Oxford
University
in S. Laurence
of Metaphysics,
387^03.
and Mathematical
Logical
H. Wettstein
(eds), Midwest
Dame
Notre
Field,
pp.
'Are Our
Relativized:
53, 364-384.
Logic
of Metamathematics
Undecidable
(eds),
de
35-92.
pp. 291-310.
'Mathematical
Oxford,
1994,
Program
and G. Olivieri
and C. Macdonald
Internationale
187-208.
pp.
XLIX,
in H. Dales
Oxford,
H.:
Field,
Press,
of Logic, Oxford
University
on What?
The Proof-Theoretic
Rests
of Symbolic
'Arithmetization
1960,
1998a,
Values?',
Revue
Ontology',
In the Light
1988,
Reductions',
and
Semantics,
1950,
Press,
University
'The Conceptual
1993,
Nortre
Dame,
pp.
Concepts
Studies
in
19,
391-429.
of Mathematical
Contingency
Indeterminate?',
Highly
in Philosophy,
Volume
Objects',
Mind,
102(406),
285-299.
Field,
H.:
1989, Realism,
Field,
H.:
1984,
'Critical
Mathematics,
Notice
and Modality,
of Crispin
Wright:
Objects', Canadian Journal of Philosophy,
pp.
147-170,
Principle'.
with
the new
title
'Platonism
Blackwell,
Frege's
14, 637-662;
for Cheap?
Crispin
Oxford.
Conception
of Numbers
as
reprinted in Field (1989),
Wright
on Frege's
Context
Página 48
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)EDWARDN. ZALTA
Field,
H.:
Frege,
Gottlob:
Oxford,
second
Frege, Gottlob:
Pohle.
C:
by J. L. Austin,
Blackwell,
Band
I/II, Jena: Verlag
Hermann
Truth',
American
edition.
der Arithmetik,
the Nature
of Mathematical
in H.
reprinted
Selected
Readings,
543-556;
of Mathematics:
sophy
Oxford.
translated
Grundgesetze
'On
1945,
52,
Monthly
revised
1893/1903,
Blackwell,
of Arithmetic,
Numbers,
The Foundations
1884,
1974,
Hempel,
Without
Science
1980,
Putnam
and
second
P. Benacerraf,
edition,
Mathematical
The
(eds),
Philo?
Press,
Cambridge
University
of Philosophy,
Journal
of Symbolic
Logic
Naturalism',
The
pp. 377-393.
Cambridge
Jubien, M.:
1969,
'Two Kinds
Kripke,
S.:
1959,
'A Completeness
Theorem
in Modal
24,
1-15.
Lewis,
D.:
1986, On
the Plurality
B.
and Zalta,
E.:
of Worlds,
'Naturalized
Blackwell,
Linsky,
The Journal
of Reduction',
1995,
533-541.
66(17),
Logic',
Oxford.
vs.
Platonism
Platonized
Journal of Philosophy, xcii(10), 525-555.
Maddy,
P.:
Mundy,
1996.
B.:
inMathematics,
1997, Naturalism
unpublished
manuscript,
Niebergall,
K. G.:
this volume,
Pelletier,
J. and
Zalta,
M.:
Logic
as a Science
Axioms
Say
to
#3,
January
and Examples'.
the Third
Man',
Nous,
Clarendon,
Oxford.
Ontology
and Reference',
Nous,
Goodbye
of Patterns,
of Patterns:
as a Science
version
of Reducibility:
to
'How
2000,
'Mathematics
1981,
Oxford.
of Encoding',
'On the Logic
E.:
forthcoming.
1997, Mathematics
Resnik, M.:
Resnik,
Clarendon,
'Zalta's
15, 529-550.
Rosen, G.: 1993, 'The Refutation of Nominalism(?)\
Philosophical
Topics, 21(2), 149
186.
Quine, W.:
Paradox
1976,
'Ontological
and Other
Essays,
S.:
Shapiro,
Oxford.
Shapiro,
S.:
Tarski,
'Structure
1989,
A., Mostowski,
A.,
of Numbers',
the World
Press,
University
Structure
of Mathematics:
1997, Philosophy
Press,
and
Reduction
rev. ed., Harvard
Harvard,
and Ontology,
in The Ways
pp. 212-220.
Oxford
of
University
and Ontology',
17, 145-171.
Philosophical
Topics,
R.: 1953, Undecidable
North
and Robinson,
Theories,
Holland,
in M. Kracht,
M.
Logic',
Interpretability
inModal
Volume
(eds), Advances
Logic,
de Rijke,
1, CSLI
Amsterdam.
Visser,
A.:
Lecture
and M.
pp.
S.:
Wagner,
C:
E.:
Center
for
of Language
the Study
and
Information
63,
255-269.
307-359.
'Arithmetical
1982,
of
Zakharyaschev
87, Stanford:
Fiction',
Pacific
of Numbers
1983, Frege's
Conception
UK.
Scotland,
Aberdeen,
Zalta,
No.
Notes
Publications,
Wright,
'An Overview
1998,
H. Wansing,
Quarterly,
Aberdeen
Philosophical
as Objects,
of Concepts',
Philosophiegeschichte
Theory
and History
forthcoming.
of Philosophy,
as Abstract
and Natural
Cardinals
Numbers
University
Press,
und
logische
'A (Leibnizian)
2000,
Analysis
Analyse/Logical
1999,
Zalta, E.:
'Natural
of Frege's
Reconstruction
in Object
Grundgesetze
Theory',
Objects:
Journal
A
Partial
of Philosophical
Logic, 28(6), 619-660.
1993,
'Twenty-Five
Basic
Philosophical
1988,
Zalta, E.:
22,
Logic,
Intensional
385-428.
Zalta,
E.:
Cambridge,
MA.
Logic
Theorems
and
in Situation
the Metaphysics
and World
Theory',
of Intentionality,
Journal
MIT/Bradford,
Página 49
Ver en el PDF(se abre en una ventana nueva)Zalta,
1983, Abstract
Objects:
An
Introduction
Dordrecht.
Center
for the Study
Stanford
University
of Language
Stanford, CA 94305-4115
U.S.A.
E-mail:
zalta@mally.Stanford.edu
and Information
to Axiomatic
Metaphysics,
Reidel,