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Single Idea 9813

[from 'Mathematics and Philosophy: grand and little' by Alain Badiou, in 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / a. The Infinite ]

Full Idea

Mathematics teaches us that there is no reason whatsoever to confne thinking within the ambit of finitude.

Gist of Idea

Mathematics shows that thinking is not confined to the finite

Source

Alain Badiou (Mathematics and Philosophy: grand and little [2004], p.19)

Book Reference

Badiou,Alain: 'Theoretical Writings' [Continuum 2006], p.19


A Reaction

This would perhaps make Cantor the greatest thinker who ever lived. It is an exhilarating idea, but we should ward the reader against romping of into unrestrained philosophical thought about infinities. You may be jumping without your Cantorian parachute.