Sonntag, 10. Juni 2012

Hegel teaches you calculus

Hegel teaches you calculus

§ 570

In differential calculus, the mathematical infinite becomes prominent again. In the above example where x and y are determined by power relations, the value for x and y still is supposed to signify a quanta.

However, in calculus dx and dy are infinitesimal values and thus no longer signify quanta:

it is solely in their relation to each other that they have any meaning, a meaning merely as moments. They are no longer something (something taken as a quantum), not finite differences; but neither are they nothing; not empty nullities.

Apart from their relation they are pure nullities, but they are intended to be taken only as moments of the relation, as determinations of the differential coefficient dx/dy.

see also:

Hegel's Calculus, Science of Logic, Section 2: Magnitude (Quantity) §567-628, summary
by Corry Shores
http://piratesandrevolutionaries.blogspot.hk/2008/12/hegels-calculus-science-of-logic.html

HEGEL AND MATHEMATICS
http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ru/kolman.htm


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