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Paradoxes: What Are They Good For?

In: Excursions in the History of Mathematics

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  • Israel Kleiner

    (York University, Department of Mathematics and Statistics)

Abstract

A paradox has been described as a truth standing on its head to attract attention. Undoubtedly, paradoxes captivate. They also cajole, provoke, amuse, exasperate, and seduce. More importantly, they arouse curiosity, they stimulate, and they motivate. In this chapter we present examples of paradoxes from the history of mathematics which have inspired the clarification of basic concepts and the introduction of major results. Our examples will deal with numbers, logarithms, functions, continuity, tangents, infinite series, sets, curves, and decomposition of geometric objects.

Suggested Citation

  • Israel Kleiner, 2012. "Paradoxes: What Are They Good For?," Springer Books, in: Excursions in the History of Mathematics, chapter 0, pages 181-196, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-0-8176-8268-2_8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-0-8176-8268-2_8
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