2 ms·

IANAM, but I do know it was an unassailable problem in Russell + White's efforts to found mathematics on a firm basis in Principia Mathematica [1]. [1]:http://

• oelewapperke 15y ago
  You want to actually understand mathematics, here's what to do. Reading any theory, any theory at all. Look at the author. Do a wikipedia search. If the article starts with what a great philosopher they are, burn the article, wash your hands in holy water and beg for forgiveness. Their articles and books do not actually have a basis for their consistency except "LGTM", they're less than worthless, and can easily convince you that idiocies are real if you're not careful. And if you're careful you'll find a massive unproven leap in logic in the first sentence of the first page and you'll be unable to continue reading. Avoid philosophers like the plague. Including Russell, including Principia mathematica. Rip them to shreds if you find them in a bookstore. You'll be doing the world a big favor.