Calculus required continuity, and continuity was supposed…
“Calculus required continuity, and continuity was supposed to require the infinitely little; but nobody could discover what the infinitely little might be.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Russell critiques the vague notion of infinitesimals, noting the lack of a clear definition for the “infinitely little.”
In simple terms: He questions how to define something infinitely small.
Key Takeaway
Seek precise definitions in mathematics.
Themes
philosophy
mathematics
logic
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- theoretical research
- educational curricula
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
infinitesimals
continuity
definition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do current mathematical frameworks handle infinitesimals?
- Can intuition replace formal definition?
A Different Perspective
The concept may be resolved by modern calculus foundations.