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Single Idea 18091

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / k. Infinitesimals ]

Full Idea

The infinitesimals are the ghosts of departed quantities.

Gist of Idea

Infinitesimals are ghosts of departed quantities

Source

George Berkeley (The Analyst [1734]), quoted by David Bostock - Philosophy of Mathematics 4.3

Book Ref

Bostock,David: 'Philosophy of Mathematics: An Introduction' [Wiley-Blackwell 2009], p.96

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A Reaction

[A famous phrase, but as yet no context for it]