Philosophical Thinking in Mathematics

수학의 철학적 사유

  • Published : 1984.09.01

Abstract

The concepts of zero, minus, infinite, ideal point, etc. are not real existence, but are pure mathematical objects. These entities become mathematical objects through the process of a philosophical filtering. In this paper, the writer explores the relation between natural conditions of different cultures and philosophies, with its reference to fundamental philosophies and traditional mathematical patterns in major cultural zones. The main items treated in this paper are as follows: 1. Greek ontology and Euclidean geometry. 2. Chinese agnosticism and the concept of minus in the equations. 3. Transcendence in Hebrews and the concept of infinite in modern analysis. 4. The empty and zero in India.

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