Infinitesimal differences
Subtitle: controversies between leibniz and his contemporaries
By: edited by Ursula Goldenbaum and Douglas Jesseph
Publisher: Walter De Gruyter
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Berlin; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 327
ISBN-13: 9783110202168
Subjects: Mathematics; Criticism and interpretation; Philosophy; Physics; Congresses
Description: "The development of the calculus during the 17th century was successful in mathematical practice, but raised questions about the nature of infinitesimals: were they real or rather fictitious? This collection of essays, by scholars from Canada, the US, Germany, United Kingdom and Switzerland, gives a comprehensive study of the controversies over the nature and status of the infinitesimal. Aside from Leibniz, the scholars considered are Hobbes, Wallis, Newton, Bernoulli, Hermann, and Nieuwentijt. The collection also contains newly discovered marginalia of Leibniz to the writings of Hobbes."--Jacket.
Notes: "This volume had its beginnings in a conference entitled The Metaphysical and Mathematical Discussion os the Status of Infinitesimals in Leibniz's Time held in April 2006 at Emory University"--Introd.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [309]-323) and index.

Mode of access: Internet.