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

Authors :
Rossini P
Source :
Science in context [Sci Context] 2020 Sep; Vol. 33 (3), pp. 251-271.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

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).

Subjects

Subjects :
Italy
Mathematics

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0269-8897
Volume :
33
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Science in context
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34096497
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0269889721000041