Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity
Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity
This book is an exploration of philosophical questions about infinity. Graham Oppy examines how the infinite lurks everywhere, both in science and in our ordinary thoughts about the world. He also analyses the many puzzles and paradoxes that follow in the train of the infinite. Even simple notions, such as counting, adding and maximising present serious difficulties. Other topics examined include the nature of space and time, infinities in physical science, infinities in theories of probability and decision, the nature of part/whole relations, mathematical theories of the infinite, and infinite regression and principles of sufficient reason.
- Provides detailed treatment of a wide range of puzzles about infinity and the infinite
- Discusses the role of the infinite in many different parts of philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science and mathematics
- Addresses questions in metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of science that are of the utmost importance for philosophy of religion
Reviews & endorsements
'Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity is a very good book and I am pleased to recommend it.' The Times Literary Supplement
Product details
May 2006Hardback
9780521860673
336 pages
229 × 152 × 22 mm
0.66kg
1 table
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Beginnings and puzzles
- 2. Mathematical preliminaries
- 3. Some cases discussed
- 4. Space, time, and spacetime
- 5. Physical infinities
- 6. Probability and decision theory
- 7. Mereology
- 8. Philosophical theories
- 9. Infinite regress and sufficient reason.
