Cantorian Theory of Transfinite Numbers: Its Relation with Analogical-Geometric Thought

Authors

  • Walter Gomide Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-6746.2016.2.25652

Keywords:

Set theory. Geometric intuition. G. Cantor. Exiom of constructability. K. Gödel.

Abstract

In this short article, I analyze how geometric intuition was present in the seminal development of Cantor’s set theory. From this fact, it follows that the notion of set or transfinite number was not treated by Cantor as something worthy of a logical foundation. The paradoxes that have arisen in Cantor's theory are the result of such initial disengagement, and subsequent attempts to solve them have resulted in intuitive and expected aspects on sets or the infinite being lost. In particular, we see here the “non geometric” consequences of Gödel´s axiom of constructible sets.

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References

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Published

2016-12-31

How to Cite

Gomide, W. (2016). Cantorian Theory of Transfinite Numbers: Its Relation with Analogical-Geometric Thought. Veritas (Porto Alegre), 61(2), 337–349. https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-6746.2016.2.25652

Issue

Section

ontological realism, mathematical ontology and logic