Discreteness

Hegel (Logic of Being, moment of pure quantity)

Discreteness is pure quantity as a plurality of separated units. The discrete is countable, divisible, consists of atoms/ones. Example: natural numbers (1, 2, 3...) as a discrete set. Discreteness presupposes continuity: the units are distinguishable only in the continuous medium. Conversely: continuity becomes graspable only through discreteness (division). Both turn into one another.

Origin

Lat. *discretus* (separated). Atomism: everything from discrete, indivisible units. Leibniz: monadology --- discrete substances. Hegel: discreteness not ontologically fundamental, but a moment of quantity.

In Hegel

Enc. §100; SL Vol. 1, Quantity

Cross-references

Continuity · Quantity · Quantum · Being-for-itself · Doctrine of Being