The mathematical continuum: A haunting problematic

de Freitas, E (2018) The mathematical continuum: A haunting problematic. Mathematics Enthusiast, 15 (1-2). pp. 148-158. ISSN 1551-3440

Preview

Download (204kB) | Preview

Official URL: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/tme/

Abstract

© 2018 The Author(s) & Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Montana. The mathematical continuum has a number of formulations and technical definitions. Two of these reference the geometric line and the real number system. This conceptual coupling of line and number has been an enduring source for mathematical invention and paradox. The continuum captures the monstrous desire of mathematics, a desire to re-assemble the point with the line, the discrete with the continuous, the finite with the infinite. This paper explores how the continuum is a source of fundamental ambiguity fueling our desires and fears about mathematics.

Item Type:	Article
Peer-reviewed:	Yes
Date Deposited:	23 Apr 2018 13:27
Publisher:	The University of Montana
Additional Information:	This is an Open Access article published in Mathematics Enthusiast, published by The University of Montana, copyright The Author(s) & Dept. of Mathematical Sciences-The University of Montana.
Divisions:	Faculties > Health and Education
Subject terms:	1303 Specialist Studies In Education
URI:	https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/620322
ISSN	1551-3440

Impact and Reach

Statistics

DownloadsShow export options

Activity Overview

6 month trend

180Downloads

6 month trend

337Hits

Additional statistics for this dataset are available via IRStats2.

Repository staff only

Edit record