New Infinitary Mathematics

New Infinitary Mathematics
Author: Petr Vopěnka
Publisher: Charles University in Prague, Karolinum Press
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2022-08-01
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 8024646633

The dominant current of twentieth-century mathematics, which simultaneously explores and applies infinity (albeit in bizarre ideal worlds), relies on Cantor's classical theory of infinite sets. Cantor’s theory in turn relies on the problematic assumption of the existence of the set of all natural numbers, the only justification for which – a theological justification - is usually concealed and pushed into the collective unconscious. This book begins by surveying the theological background, emergence, and development of classical set theory. The author warns us about the dangers implicit in the construction of set theory, traceable in his own and other eminent mathematicians' seminal works on the subject. He then goes on to present an argument about the absurdity of the assumption of the existence of the set of all natural numbers. However, the author’s contribution is not just a negation of current views and assumptions. On the contrary, the new infinitary mathematics that he proceeds to propose and develop is driven by a cautious effort to transcend the horizon bounding the ancient geometric world and pre-set-theoretical mathematics, whilst allowing mathematics to correspond more closely to the natural real world surrounding us. The final parts are devoted to a discussion of real numbers and to demonstrating how, within the new infinitary mathematics, calculus can be rehabilitated in its original form employing infinitesimals.

The Art of the Infinite

The Art of the Infinite
Author: Robert Kaplan
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 417
Release: 2014-02-04
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1608198693

Traces the development of mathematical thinking and describes the characteristics of the "republic of numbers" in terms of humankind's fascination with, and growing knowledge of, infinity.

Infinite Powers

Infinite Powers
Author: Steven Strogatz
Publisher: Mariner Books
Total Pages: 389
Release: 2019
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1328879984

This is the captivating story of mathematics' greatest ever idea: calculus. Without it, there would be no computers, no microwave ovens, no GPS, and no space travel. But before it gave modern man almost infinite powers, calculus was behind centuries of controversy, competition, and even death. Taking us on a thrilling journey through three millennia, professor Steven Strogatz charts the development of this seminal achievement from the days of Aristotle to today's million-dollar reward that awaits whoever cracks Reimann's hypothesis. Filled with idiosyncratic characters from Pythagoras to Euler, Infinite Powers is a compelling human drama that reveals the legacy of calculus on nearly every aspect of modern civilization, including science, politics, ethics, philosophy, and much besides.

Model Theory and the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice

Model Theory and the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice
Author: John T. Baldwin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 365
Release: 2018-01-25
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1107189217

Recounts the modern transformation of model theory and its effects on the philosophy of mathematics and mathematical practice.

An Infinite Descent Into Pure Mathematics

An Infinite Descent Into Pure Mathematics
Author: Clive Newstead
Publisher: Math Dot Coffee Publishing
Total Pages:
Release: 2019-08
Genre:
ISBN: 9781950215003

This introductory undergraduate-level textbook covers the knowledge and skills required to study pure mathematics at an advanced level. Emphasis is placed on communicating mathematical ideas precisely and effectively. A wide range of topic areas are covered.

The Mathematics of Infinity

The Mathematics of Infinity
Author: Theodore G. Faticoni
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 360
Release: 2012-04-17
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1118204484

Praise for the First Edition ". . . an enchanting book for those people in computer science or mathematics who are fascinated by the concept of infinity."—Computing Reviews ". . . a very well written introduction to set theory . . . easy to read and well suited for self-study . . . highly recommended."—Choice The concept of infinity has fascinated and confused mankind for centuries with theories and ideas that cause even seasoned mathematicians to wonder. The Mathematics of Infinity: A Guide to Great Ideas, Second Edition uniquely explores how we can manipulate these ideas when our common sense rebels at the conclusions we are drawing. Continuing to draw from his extensive work on the subject, the author provides a user-friendly presentation that avoids unnecessary, in-depth mathematical rigor. This Second Edition provides important coverage of logic and sets, elements and predicates, cardinals as ordinals, and mathematical physics. Classic arguments and illustrative examples are provided throughout the book and are accompanied by a gradual progression of sophisticated notions designed to stun readers' intuitive view of the world. With an accessible and balanced treatment of both concepts and theory, the book focuses on the following topics: Logic, sets, and functions Prime numbers Counting infinite sets Well ordered sets Infinite cardinals Logic and meta-mathematics Inductions and numbers Presenting an intriguing account of the notions of infinity, The Mathematics of Infinity: A Guide to Great Ideas, Second Edition is an insightful supplement for mathematics courses on set theory at the undergraduate level. The book also serves as a fascinating reference for mathematically inclined individuals who are interested in learning about the world of counterintuitive mathematics.

The Higher Infinite

The Higher Infinite
Author: Akihiro Kanamori
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 555
Release: 2008-11-23
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 3540888675

Over the years, this book has become a standard reference and guide in the set theory community. It provides a comprehensive account of the theory of large cardinals from its beginnings and some of the direct outgrowths leading to the frontiers of contemporary research, with open questions and speculations throughout.

Lectures on the Philosophy of Mathematics

Lectures on the Philosophy of Mathematics
Author: Joel David Hamkins
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 350
Release: 2021-03-09
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 0262542234

An introduction to the philosophy of mathematics grounded in mathematics and motivated by mathematical inquiry and practice. In this book, Joel David Hamkins offers an introduction to the philosophy of mathematics that is grounded in mathematics and motivated by mathematical inquiry and practice. He treats philosophical issues as they arise organically in mathematics, discussing such topics as platonism, realism, logicism, structuralism, formalism, infinity, and intuitionism in mathematical contexts. He organizes the book by mathematical themes--numbers, rigor, geometry, proof, computability, incompleteness, and set theory--that give rise again and again to philosophical considerations.

Proof and the Art of Mathematics

Proof and the Art of Mathematics
Author: Joel David Hamkins
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 132
Release: 2021-02-23
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 0262362562

How to write mathematical proofs, shown in fully-worked out examples. This is a companion volume Joel Hamkins's Proof and the Art of Mathematics, providing fully worked-out solutions to all of the odd-numbered exercises as well as a few of the even-numbered exercises. In many cases, the solutions go beyond the exercise question itself to the natural extensions of the ideas, helping readers learn how to approach a mathematical investigation. As Hamkins asks, "Once you have solved a problem, why not push the ideas harder to see what further you can prove with them?" These solutions offer readers examples of how to write a mathematical proofs. The mathematical development of this text follows the main book, with the same chapter topics in the same order, and all theorem and exercise numbers in this text refer to the corresponding statements of the main text.

Taming the Infinite

Taming the Infinite
Author: Ian Stewart
Publisher: Quercus
Total Pages: 449
Release: 2015-04-07
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1623654734

From ancient Babylon to the last great unsolved problems, Ian Stewart brings us his definitive history of mathematics. In his famous straightforward style, Professor Stewart explains each major development--from the first number systems to chaos theory--and considers how each affected society and changed everyday life forever. Maintaining a personal touch, he introduces all of the outstanding mathematicians of history, from the key Babylonians, Greeks and Egyptians, via Newton and Descartes, to Fermat, Babbage and Godel, and demystifies math's key concepts without recourse to complicated formulae. Written to provide a captivating historic narrative for the non-mathematician, Taming the Infinite is packed with fascinating nuggets and quirky asides, and contains 100 illustrations and diagrams to illuminate and aid understanding of a subject many dread, but which has made our world what it is today.