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A Brief History of the Function Concept

In: Excursions in the History of Mathematics

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  • Israel Kleiner

    (York University, Department of Mathematics and Statistics)

Abstract

The evolution of the concept of function goes back 4000 years; 3,700 of these consist of anticipations. The idea evolved for close to 300 years in intimate connection with problems in calculus and analysis. In fact, a one-sentence definition of analysis as the study of properties of various classes of functions would not be far off the mark. Moreover, the concept of function is one of the distinguishing features of “modern” as against “classical” mathematics.

Suggested Citation

  • Israel Kleiner, 2012. "A Brief History of the Function Concept," Springer Books, in: Excursions in the History of Mathematics, chapter 0, pages 103-124, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-0-8176-8268-2_5
    DOI: 10.1007/978-0-8176-8268-2_5
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