Back to Search Start Over

When does a hyperbola meet its asymptote? Bounded infinities, fictions, and contradictions in Leibniz

Authors :
Katz, Mikhail G.
Sherry, David
Ugaglia, Monica
Source :
REVISTA LATINOAMERICANA de FILOSOF\'\IA 49 (2023), no. 2, 241-258
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

In his 1676 text De Quadratura Arithmetica, Leibniz distinguished infinita terminata from infinita interminata. The text also deals with the notion, originating with Desargues, of the perspective point of intersection at infinite distance for parallel lines. We examine contrasting interpretations of these notions in the context of Leibniz's analysis of asymptotes for logarithmic curves and hyperbolas. We point out difficulties that arise due to conflating these notions of infinity. As noted by Rodriguez Hurtado et al., a significant difference exists between the Cartesian model of magnitudes and Leibniz's search for a qualitative model for studying perspective, including ideal points at infinity. We show how respecting the distinction between these notions enables a consistent interpretation thereof.<br />Comment: 19 pages

Details

Database :
arXiv
Journal :
REVISTA LATINOAMERICANA de FILOSOF\'\IA 49 (2023), no. 2, 241-258
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsarx.2311.06023
Document Type :
Working Paper
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.36446/rlf2023359