7: Numbers

One of the most prevalent and common conceptions of numbers can be found in the following quote by Dedikind that “numbers are free creations of man’s mind. They serve as a means of apprehending the difference of things more easily and more sharply” (as cited in Crossley, 1987, p. 2). First developed in primitive societies and ultimately applied in the field of mathematics, numbers manifest an array of empirical functions and contributions from counting to the exploration and advancement of scientific knowledge in human societies.

The use of numbers has been highly valued and extensively exploited in the modern world. For instance, using numbers to sequence or order information found in daily life, such as street addresses, or for identification of placement in competitions (1st, 2nd, etc.) are ways in which numbers are used for non-mathematical purposes to help clarify information that might otherwise be confusing. Additionally, the formation of digitalized identities is prevalent in the use of Social Security Numbers, driver’s license numbers, credit card numbers, telephone numbers, address numbers, and so on. The omnipresence of numbers in the modern world reflects the common belief that numbers have a culturally universal and timeless status (Crossley, 1987).