Single Idea 15901

[catalogued under 4. Formal Logic / F. Set Theory ST / 1. Set Theory]

Full Idea

The notion of a function evolved gradually from wanting to see what curves can be represented as trigonometric series. The study of arbitrary functions led Cantor to the ordinal numbers, which led to set theory.

Gist of Idea

Trying to represent curves, we study arbitrary functions, leading to the ordinals, which produces set theory

Source

report of George Cantor (works [1880]) by Shaughan Lavine - Understanding the Infinite I

Book Reference

Lavine,Shaughan: 'Understanding the Infinite' [Harvard 1994], p.7