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The Influence of Heraclitus on Modern Mathematics

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Part of the book series: Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science ((BSPS,volume 67))

Abstract

Among the pre-Socratic philosophers we know that Thales, Pythagoras, Zeno and Democritus were involved in mathematics in one way or another. In fact, Pythagoras coined the very word “mathematics.” Heraclitus does not appear to have occupied himself with mathematical questions; so how can he be said to have influenced modern mathematics? The answer to this question will take us on a small detour.

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© 1981 D. Reidel Publishing Company

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Lambek, J. (1981). The Influence of Heraclitus on Modern Mathematics. In: Agassi, J., Cohen, R.S. (eds) Scientific Philosophy Today. Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science, vol 67. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8462-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8462-2_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-277-1263-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-8462-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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