We are all captivated and puzzled by the infinite, in its many varied guises; by the endlessness of space and time; by the thought that between any two points in space, however close, there is always another; by the fact that numbers go on forever; and by the idea of an all-knowing, all-powerful God.
In this acclaimed introduction to the infinite, A. W. Moore takes us on a journey back to early Greek thought about the infinite, from its inception to Aristotle. He then examines medieval and early modern conceptions of the infinite, including a brief history of the calculus, before turning to Kant and post-Kantian ideas. He also gives an account of Cantor’s remarkable discovery that some infinities are bigger than others. In the second part of the book, Moore develops his own views, drawing on technical advances in the mathematics of the infinite, including the celebrated theorems of Skolem and Gödel, and deriving inspiration from Wittgenstein. He concludes this part with a discussion of death and human finitude.
For this third edition Moore has added a new part, ‘Infinity superseded’, which contains two new chapters refining his own ideas through a re-examination of the ideas of Spinoza, Hegel, and Nietzsche. This new part is heavily influenced by the work of Deleuze. Also new for the third edition are: a technical appendix on still unresolved questions about different infinite sizes; an expanded glossary; and updated references and further reading.
The Infinite, Third Edition is ideal reading for anyone interested in an engaging and historically informed account of this fascinating topic, whether from a philosophical point of view, a mathematical point of view, or a religious point of view.
Table of Contents:
Part I: The History 1. Early Greek Thought 2. Aristotle 3. Medieval and Renaissance Thought 4. The Calculus 5. The Rationalists and the Empiricists 6. Kant 7. Post-Kantian Metaphysics of the Infinite 8. The Mathematics of the Infinite, and the Impact of Cantor 9. Reactions Part II: Infinity Assessed 10. Transfinite Mathematics 11. The Lowenheim–Skolem Theorem 12. Gödel’s Theorem 13. Saying and Showing 14. Infinity Assessed. The History Reassessed 15. Human Finitude Part III: Infinity Superseded 16. Infinity Reassessed. The History Reassessed Anew 17. Learning How to be Finite
About the Author :
A.W. Moore is Professor of Philosophy and Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Oxford, UK, and Tutorial Fellow of St Hugh’s College, Oxford. He is joint editor, with Lucy O’Brien, of the journal Mind. In 2016 he wrote and presented the series A History of the Infinite on BBC Radio 4.
Review :
Praise for previous editions
'Moore provides a splendid guide through the intellectual history of this powerful and far-reaching idea ... [He] offers a fascinating consideration of the mystical aspects of infinity and the issues of human finitude and death ... very highly recommended for all readers.' - CHOICE
'Moore's book provides us with an instructive and authoritative overview of a topic of considerable philosophical importance.' - Roger Penrose, Times Literary Supplement
'Moore's book points to deep and unresolved issues in the philosophy of mathematics, and even deeper issues in general philosophy ... It deserves serious study by both mathematicians and philosophers.' - Thomas Tymoczko, Philosophia Mathematica
'Moore's treatment of] the problems with which the history of thought about the infinite confronts us today ... shows that questions concerning the nature and existence of the infinite are still very much alive. [A] highly stimulating account of the nature of infinity and its bold defence of finitism.' - W. L. Craig, International Philosophical Quarterly
'In the last three thought-provoking chapters of his book Moore draws heavily, but creatively on Kant and Wittgenstein. Moore presents an analysis and proposed resolution of the issues that are both stimulating and accessible.' - Mary Tiles, Times Higher Education Supplement
Praise for previous editions
'Moore provides a splendid guide through the intellectual history of this powerful and far-reaching idea ... [He] offers a fascinating consideration of the mystical aspects of infinity and the issues of human finitude and death ... very highly recommended for all readers.' - CHOICE
'Moore's book provides us with an instructive and authoritative overview of a topic of considerable philosophical importance.' - Roger Penrose, Times Literary Supplement
'Moore's book points to deep and unresolved issues in the philosophy of mathematics, and even deeper issues in general philosophy ... It deserves serious study by both mathematicians and philosophers.' - Thomas Tymoczko, Philosophia Mathematica
'[Moore's treatment of] the problems with which the history of thought about the infinite confronts us today ... shows that questions concerning the nature and existence of the infinite are still very much alive. [A] highly stimulating account of the nature of infinity and its bold defence of finitism.' - W. L. Craig, International Philosophical Quarterly
'In the last three thought-provoking chapters of his book Moore draws heavily, but creatively, on Kant and Wittgenstein. Moore presents an analysis and proposed resolution of the issues that are both stimulating and accessible.' - Mary Tiles, Times Higher Education Supplement
