Infinity in mathematics. Struggles with a necessary but troublesome concept Cover Image

Nieskończoność w matematyce. Zmagania z potrzebnym, acz kłopotliwym pojęciem
Infinity in mathematics. Struggles with a necessary but troublesome concept

Author(s): Roman Murawski
Subject(s): Philosophy of Science
Published by: Copernicus Center Press
Keywords: actual infinity; potential infinity; set theory; infinitely small; infinitely large; cardinal number; ordinal number;

Summary/Abstract: Infinity has appeared in mathematics since the very beginning. Moreover the mathematical concept of infinity was and is connected with philosophical and theological concepts. The aim of the paper is to show how mathematicians struggled with this concept and how they tried to bring it under control.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 55
  • Page Range: 5-42
  • Page Count: 38
  • Language: Polish