Scholarlink

In this chapter we outline the main issues that have arisen in the interpretation of the status of infinitesimals in Leibniz’s Differential Calculus, and difficulties affecting their resolution. Then we give an overview of our interpretation, based on a thorough consideration of Leibniz’s writings, many of them unknown to previous interpreters. This is based on a firm distinction between the issues of the existence of infinitesimals, their use in mathematics, and the justification of the differential algorithm itself.

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Introduction

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

查看全文
  • Richard T. W. Arthur,
  • David Rabouin

摘要

In this chapter we outline the main issues that have arisen in the interpretation of the status of infinitesimals in Leibniz’s Differential Calculus, and difficulties affecting their resolution. Then we give an overview of our interpretation, based on a thorough consideration of Leibniz’s writings, many of them unknown to previous interpreters. This is based on a firm distinction between the issues of the existence of infinitesimals, their use in mathematics, and the justification of the differential algorithm itself.