Re: The number of angles that can fit on the head of a pin

In article <1190619993.375188.200020@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Raving <raving.loonie@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Someone recently suggested that the "angels on the head of a pin"
debate involved some substantive issues. ... That it was not just an
exercise in frivolous excess.

Yes. It was essentially a mathematical discussion concerning the nature
of infinity and of infinitesimals which occurred long before either
Newton or Leibniz. Because of the theological metaphors employed, the
serious nature of the discussion tends to be lost on most postmediaeval
audiences.

Andre

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Relevant Pages

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