Book | Chapter

183934

On what there is—infinitesimals and the nature of numbers

Jens Erik Fenstad

pp. 109-134

Abstract

This essay will be divided into three parts. In the first part we discuss the case of infinitesimals seen as a bridge between the discrete and the continuous. This leads in the second part to a discussion of the nature of numbers. In the last part we follow up with some observations on the obvious applicability of mathematics. The main body of the text is followed by a Postscript with some further thoughts on what numbers are.

Publication details

Published in:

Fenstad Jens Erik (2018) Structures and algorithms: mathematics and the nature of knowledge. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 109-134

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72974-9_9

Full citation:

Fenstad Jens Erik (2018) On what there is—infinitesimals and the nature of numbers, In: Structures and algorithms, Dordrecht, Springer, 109–134.