The Man Who Stole Infinity

9 hours ago

Georg Cantor, a mathematician, revolutionized mathematics by introducing the concept of infinity in his 1874 paper.
Cantor's work on infinity led to the development of set theory, which became a foundational aspect of modern mathematics.
Demian Goos, a mathematician and journalist, discovered a lost letter from Richard Dedekind to Cantor, revealing that Cantor's famous 1874 paper involved uncredited contributions from Dedekind.
The letter, dated November 30, 1873, showed that Dedekind had provided key insights and proofs that Cantor used in his paper without proper acknowledgment.
Cantor's relationship with Dedekind deteriorated after the publication, and Dedekind stopped corresponding with him for nearly three years.
Cantor faced significant opposition from contemporaries like Leopold Kronecker, who rejected the concept of infinity and blocked Cantor's career advancements.
Despite the controversy, Cantor's ideas on infinity and set theory eventually gained acceptance and reshaped mathematics.
The discovery of the lost letter challenges the narrative of Cantor as a lone genius and highlights the collaborative nature of mathematical progress.
Dedekind's contributions, though less recognized, were significant, and his role in the development of set theory is now being reassessed.
The story underscores the human aspects of mathematical discovery, including issues of credit, collaboration, and personal conflict.

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