Infinity: New Research Frontiers

Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 2/7/2011
EAN 9781107003873, ISBN10: 1107003873

Hardcover, 326 pages, 25.4 x 17.8 x 2 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English

This interdisciplinary study of infinity explores the concept through the prism of mathematics and then offers more expansive investigations in areas beyond mathematical boundaries to reflect the broader, deeper implications of infinity for human intellectual thought. More than a dozen world-renowned researchers in the fields of mathematics, physics, cosmology, philosophy and theology offer a rich intellectual exchange among various current viewpoints, rather than displaying a static picture of accepted views on infinity. The book starts with a historical examination of the transformation of infinity from a philosophical and theological study to one dominated by mathematics. It then offers technical discussions on the understanding of mathematical infinity. Following this, the book considers the perspectives of physics and cosmology: can infinity be found in the real universe? Finally, the book returns to questions of philosophical and theological aspects of infinity.

Introduction Rudy Rucker
Part I. Perspectives on Infinity from History
1. Infinity as a transformative concept in science and theology Wolfgang Achtner
Part II. Perspectives on Infinity from Mathematics
2. The mathematical infinity Enrico Bombieri
3. Warning signs of a possible collapse of contemporary mathematics Edward Nelson
Part III. Technical Perspectives on Infinity from Advanced Mathematics
4. The realm of the infinite W. Hugh Woodin
5. A potential subtlety concerning the distinction between determinism and nondeterminism W. Hugh Woodin
6. Concept calculus
much better than Harvey M. Friedman
Part IV. Perspectives on Infinity from Physics and Cosmology
7. Some considerations on infinity in physics Carlo Rovelli
8. Cosmological intimations of infinity Anthony Aguirre
9. Infinity and the nostalgia of the stars Marco Bersanelli
10. Infinities in cosmology Michael Heller
Part V. Perspectives on Infinity from Philosophy and Theology
11. God and infinity
directions for future research Graham Oppy
12. Notes on the concept of the infinite in the history of Western metaphysics David Bentley Hart
13. God and infinity
theological insights from Cantor's mathematics Robert J. Russell
14. A partially skeptical response to Hart and Russell Denys A. Turner.