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    Georg Cantor: His Mathematics and Philosophy of the Infinite
    Georg Cantor: His Mathematics and Philosophy of the Infinite
    Georg Cantor: His Mathematics and Philosophy of the Infinite
    Ebook421 pages10 hours

    Georg Cantor: His Mathematics and Philosophy of the Infinite

    By Joseph Warren Dauben

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    About this ebook

    One of the greatest revolutions in mathematics occurred when Georg Cantor (1845-1918) promulgated his theory of transfinite sets. This revolution is the subject of Joseph Dauben's important studythe most thorough yet writtenof the philosopher and mathematician who was once called a "corrupter of youth" for an innovation that is now a vital component of elementary school curricula.


    Set theory has been widely adopted in mathematics and philosophy, but the controversy surrounding it at the turn of the century remains of great interest. Cantor's own faith in his theory was partly theological. His religious beliefs led him to expect paradoxes in any concept of the infinite, and he always retained his belief in the utter veracity of transfinite set theory. Later in his life, he was troubled by recurring attacks of severe depression. Dauben shows that these played an integral part in his understanding and defense of set theory.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPrinceton University Press
    Release dateJun 16, 2020
    ISBN9780691214207
    Georg Cantor: His Mathematics and Philosophy of the Infinite

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