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Single Idea 10125

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / d. Actual infinite ]

Full Idea

Unlike the intuitionist, the classical mathematician believes in an actual set that contains all the real numbers.

Gist of Idea

The classical mathematician believes the real numbers form an actual set

Source

A.George / D.J.Velleman (Philosophies of Mathematics [2002], Ch.6)

Book Ref

George,A/Velleman D.J.: 'Philosophies of Mathematics' [Blackwell 2002], p.170


The 11 ideas with the same theme [treating an infinite collection as a complete thing]:

If there were real infinities, you could add two together, which is ridiculous [Locke]
I strongly believe in the actual infinite, which indicates the perfections of its author [Leibniz]
I don't admit infinite numbers, and consider infinitesimals to be useful fictions [Leibniz]
Actual infinities are not allowed in mathematics - only limits which may increase without bound [Gauss]
Cantor proposes that there won't be a potential infinity if there is no actual infinity [Cantor, by Hart,WD]
Poincaré rejected the actual infinite, claiming definitions gave apparent infinity to finite objects [Poincaré, by Lavine]
The idea of an infinite totality is an illusion [Hilbert]
Cantor and Dedekind brought completed infinities into mathematics [Maddy]
Completed infinities resulted from giving foundations to calculus [Maddy]
Infinite cuts and successors seems to suggest an actual infinity there waiting for us [Read]
The classical mathematician believes the real numbers form an actual set [George/Velleman]