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Infinitesimal: How A Dangerous Mathematical Theory Shaped The Modern World-used
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Pulsing With Drama And Excitement, Infinitesimal Celebrates The Spirit Of Discovery, Innovation, And Intellectual Achievementand It Will Forever Change The Way You Look At A Simple Line.On August 10, 1632, Five Men In Flowing Black Robes Convened In A Somber Roman Palazzo To Pass Judgment On A Deceptively Simple Proposition: That A Continuous Line Is Composed Of Distinct And Infinitely Tiny Parts. With The Stroke Of A Pen The Jesuit Fathers Banned The Doctrine Of Infinitesimals, Announcing That It Could Never Be Taught Or Even Mentioned. The Concept Was Deemed Dangerous And Subversive, A Threat To The Belief That The World Was An Orderly Place, Governed By A Strict And Unchanging Set Of Rules. If Infinitesimals Were Ever Accepted, The Jesuits Feared, The Entire World Would Be Plunged Into Chaos.In Infinitesimal, The Awardwinning Historian Amir Alexander Exposes The Deepseated Reasons Behind The Rulings Of The Jesuits And Shows How The Doctrine Persisted, Becoming The Foundation Of Calculus And Much Of Modern Mathematics And Technology. Indeed, Not Everyone Agreed With The Jesuits. Philosophers, Scientists, And Mathematicians Across Europe Embraced Infinitesimals As The Key To Scientific Progress, Freedom Of Thought, And A More Tolerant Society. As Alexander Reveals, It Wasn'T Long Before The Two Camps Set Off On A War That Pitted Europe'S Forces Of Hierarchy And Order Against Those Of Pluralism And Change.The Story Takes Us From The Bloody Battlefields Of Europe'S Religious Wars And The English Civil War And Into The Lives Of The Greatest Mathematicians And Philosophers Of The Day, Including Galileo And Isaac Newton, Cardinal Bellarmine And Thomas Hobbes, And Christopher Clavius And John Wallis. In Italy, The Defeat Of The Infinitely Small Signaled An End To That Land'S Reign As The Cultural Heart Of Europe, And In England, The Triumph Of Infinitesimals Helped Launch The Island Nation On A Course That Would Make It The World'S First Modern State.From The Imperial Cities Of Germany To The Green Hills Of Surrey, From The Papal Palace In Rome To The Halls Of The Royal Society Of London, Alexander Demonstrates How A Disagreement Over A Mathematical Concept Became A Contest Over The Heavens And The Earth. The Legitimacy Of Popes And Kings, As Well As Our Beliefs In Human Liberty And Progressive Science, Were At Stakethe Soul Of The Modern World Hinged On The Infinitesimal.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Infinitesimal' by Amir Alexander? A: 'Infinitesimal' explores how the concept of infinitesimals challenged established mathematical norms and influenced modern mathematics and technology, emphasizing the conflict between order and pluralism.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Infinitesimal'? A: The book is authored by Amir Alexander, an award-winning historian known for his work on the history of mathematics.
- Q: When was 'Infinitesimal' published? A: 'Infinitesimal' was published on April 8, 2014.
- Q: How many pages does 'Infinitesimal' contain? A: 'Infinitesimal' contains 368 pages, providing a comprehensive exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Infinitesimal'? A: 'Infinitesimal' is available in hardcover binding, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
- Q: Is 'Infinitesimal' suitable for readers unfamiliar with advanced mathematics? A: Yes, 'Infinitesimal' is written in an engaging style that makes complex ideas accessible to general readers, not just those with advanced mathematical backgrounds.
- Q: What historical events are discussed in 'Infinitesimal'? A: The book discusses significant historical events such as Europe’s religious wars and the English Civil War, connecting them to the evolution of mathematical thought.
- Q: Does 'Infinitesimal' include discussions on famous mathematicians? A: Yes, 'Infinitesimal' features discussions on influential figures such as Galileo, Isaac Newton, and others, illustrating their roles in the mathematical discourse of the time.
- Q: What impact did the concept of infinitesimals have on modern science? A: The acceptance of infinitesimals laid the groundwork for calculus and much of modern mathematics, influencing scientific progress and promoting freedom of thought.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from 'Infinitesimal'? A: Readers can expect to gain insights into the historical and philosophical implications of infinitesimals, as well as their role in shaping modern scientific and mathematical thought.