In this chapter we discuss Leibniz’s appropriation of the Scholastic term “syncategorematic” to characterize any actually infinite multiplicity of things, taken distributively, not as a collection. We show how this conception coheres with his prior denial of infinite number, and does not connote a merely potential infinite (which Leibniz never advocates). We then discuss Leibniz’s various strategies in his mature writings for justifying his use of infinitesimals and infinites, and, finally, his justification for the rules of his 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

Leibniz’s Mature Justifications of the Calculus

  • Richard T. W. Arthur,
  • David Rabouin

摘要

In this chapter we discuss Leibniz’s appropriation of the Scholastic term “syncategorematic” to characterize any actually infinite multiplicity of things, taken distributively, not as a collection. We show how this conception coheres with his prior denial of infinite number, and does not connote a merely potential infinite (which Leibniz never advocates). We then discuss Leibniz’s various strategies in his mature writings for justifying his use of infinitesimals and infinites, and, finally, his justification for the rules of his differential algorithm itself.