labels for types of numbers are fossils

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Categories: Comparisons

An example of metaphor in discussing science:

"Names may begin by suggesting ideas and may not be neutral. But if they are just names they end by being purely conventional tags or identification marks – sometimes very inadequate ones as in the cases of 'real number', 'imaginary number' and 'irrational number', fossils of a mistaken philosophy of mathematics."

Mario Bunge

Bunge, M. (2017/1998). Philosophy of Science. Volume 1: From problem to theory (Revised ed.). Routledge. (1967)

[Please be aware that a word may have different nuances, or even a different meaning, according to context.]« Back to Index

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.