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Single Idea 9632

[from 'Critique of Pure Reason' by Immanuel Kant, in 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / c. Potential infinite ]

Full Idea

For Kant the only legitimate infinity is the so-called potential infinity, not the actual infinity.

Gist of Idea

Kant only accepts potential infinity, not actual infinity

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781]) by James Robert Brown - Philosophy of Mathematics Ch.5

Book Reference

Brown,James Robert: 'Philosophy of Mathematics' [Routledge 2002], p.65


A Reaction

This is part of what leads on the the Constructivist view of mathematics. There is a procedure for endlessly continuing, but no procedure for arriving. That seems to make good sense.