Georg Cantor: His Mathematics and Philosophy of the Infinite (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780691024479)

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.

Author: Joseph Warren Dauben
ISBN-10: 0691024472
ISBN-13: 9780691024479
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Language: English
Published: 10/10/1990
Pages: 424
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.31lbs
Size: 9.24h x 6.14w x 1.17d