James Franklin and Norman Wildberger
Abstract:
Mathematicians have always thrown around the concept of infinity as if it's self-explanatory. Mathematics is supposed to have "foundations" in the theory of infinite sets. But is infinity really an intelligible concept, or knowable, or needed for mathematics? Norman Wildberger (against infinity) and James Franklin (for) debate the issues. Norman will argue that infinity makes no sense, and that over reliance on it weakens a lot of modern pure mathematics. James will defend the notion of infinity and explain why we should believe in it and how we know about it, based on his recent book, An Aristotelian Realist Philosophy of Mathematics.
A "free and frank exchange of views" is expected.
UNSW
Tue, 23/09/2014 - 12:00pm
RC-4082, The Red Centre, UNSW