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# actual infinite

An infinite set or collection considered as a completed whole, for example the set $$ℕ=\{1,2,3,\ldots\}$$ of natural numbers in modern set theory.

Aristotle, who theorized about infinity, distinguished the actually infinite from the potentially infinite. He believed that infinity could only exist as a potential, that to suppose an actual infinity led to logical contradictions. This teaching became a dogma that constrained mathematics for two millennia, until the development of set theory by Georg Cantor in the 1870’s.

Contributors

• B. Sidney Smith, author

Citation Info

• [MLA] Smith, B. Sidney. "actual infinite." Platonic Realms Interactive Mathematics Encyclopedia. Platonic Realms, 8 Jun 2013. Web. 8 Jun 2013. <http://platonicrealms.com/>
• [APA] Smith, B. Sidney (8 Jun 2013). actual infinite. Retrieved 8 Jun 2013 from the Platonic Realms Interactive Mathematics Encyclopedia: http://platonicrealms.com/encyclopedia/actual-infinite/