Back to Search Start Over

Changing conceptions of mathematics and infinity in Giordano Bruno's vernacular and Latin works.

Authors :
Rossini, Paolo
Source :
Science in Context (0269-8897). Sep2021, Vol. 33 Issue 3, p251-271. 21p.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Argument: The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of Giordano Bruno's conception of mathematics. Specifically, it intends to highlight two aspects of this conception that have been neglected in previous studies. First, Bruno's conception of mathematics changed over time and in parallel with another concept that was central to his thought: the concept of infinity. Specifically, Bruno undertook a reform of mathematics in order to accommodate the concept of the infinitely small or "minimum," which was introduced at a later stage. Second, contrary to what Héléne Védrine claimed, Bruno believed that mathematical objects were mind-dependent. To chart the parallel development of the conceptions of mathematics and infinity, a seven-year time span is considered, from the publication of Bruno's first Italian dialogue (La cena de le ceneri, 1584) to the publication of one of his last Latin works (De minimo, 1591). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02698897
Volume :
33
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Science in Context (0269-8897)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
151399108
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0269889721000041