Infinity: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

A dense, but enjoyable introduction to the idea infinity and its close relatives.Could be too advanced for readers who are brand new to advanced mathematical concepts (e.g. number/set theory). But the armchair philosopher or mathematician should find it accessible, as long as the reader is willing to stop and think (maybe even put the book down and come back) as needed.Makes a good pairing withNothing: VSI, IMHO.Fans of Morris Kline may find similarities in presentation, especially in how concepts are placed in context of history and in the way each new chapter (topic) expands on preceding [chapters].Bottom line: this does what it sets out to do. Gives shape to a collection of ideas that are unavoidably abstract in nature. Five Stars!

Thank you

Infinity is an intriguing idea that has been a conundrum for philosophers for thousands of years. This book covers a wide range of ideas of infinity.

Excellent overview of the ways mathematics deals with infinities.

I am satisfied.

interesting to a point. Details are not explained fully enough for me.

This is a brief history and overview of the kinds of infinity that were "discovered" by various mathematicians. First, the history is presented from ancient times on up through the present, with most of the breakthroughs arriving in the past 200 years or so. Next, the types of infinity are given along with their proponents. We learn how and why there are different kinds of infinities based on diagrams, metaphors and succinct explanations. Learn, why for example, a irrational and rational numbers can form different types of infinite sets. And stay at Hilbert's Hotel where there's always a room for you! Also, get a glimpse of Cantor's Paradise, and why we can never go back.All of this is fascinating, and this brief overview is a marvelous delight for this non-mathematician who had extensive training nonetheless in mathematics. I feel that those who had a hard time in maths might be puzzled by a lot of what is contained here, but not all of it. Give it a try!

I own six books by Prof. Stewart, every one of them a 5-star gem. Read and enjoyed them multiple times. This one is an odd outlier. I tried but could not get really engaged. It seems the author could not decide between writing a book of popular science, in which Prof. Stewart really excels, or a short scientific treatise aimed at mathematicians. So, he ended up lost somewhere in between... Which is real shame because 'A Very Short Intro' series is a wonderful platform for creative people to express their educated opinions and ideas, just look at Chaos by Lenny Smith or Applied Math by Alain Goriely. In summary, in my view a missed opportunity by an author who we I know could do a much better job.

Der Text stammt von einem wirklichen Fachmann. Die Auswahl der Themen und ihre souveräne Behandlung sind vortrefflich gelungen. Für jeden sorgfältigen Leser eine Bereicherung!

Bom

Very good

Excellent and engaging introduction to an important topic. Good fun with lots of fascinating puzzles.

On retrouve ici la pédagogie de Ian Stewart (qui a écrit des BD de vulgarisation dans les années 80). Excellent