Fun with infinitely large numbers (Wondrous Mathematics, 33c3)
Channel: Curry Club Augsburg
Date: 2016-12-27

This talk gives a leisurely introduction to ordinal numbers and cardinal numbers, two systems for rigorously talking about infinitely large numbers. In philosophy, infinity is a somewhat fuzzy, nebulous concept ("love is infinite"). In contrast, in mathematics, we can talk rigorously about infinities. It turns out that there is an infinite tower of higher and higher infinities.

In order to enjoy the talk, absolutely no mathematical prerequisites are needed: The talk is even accessible to school children of age ten and higher (if they understand English). And still it is mathematically rigorous – we'll learn how to think about and calculate with infinities in a precise fashion. After the talk you'll be able to effortlessly converse on infinitely large numbers with your mates.

If you already know ordinal arithmetic, for instance from a course on set theory in university, then stay away from this talk, unless you want to contribute to the talk by witty remarks. You will be bored to hell.

https://events.ccc.de/congress/2016/wiki/Session:Fun_with_infinitely_large_numbers_(Wondrous_Mathematics)