A compact survey, at the elementary level, of some of the most important concepts of mathematics. Attention is paid to their technical features, historical development and broader philosophical significance. Each of the various branches of mathematics is discussed separately, but their interdependence is emphasised throughout. Certain topics - such as Greek mathematics, abstract algebra, set theory, geometry and the philosophy of mathematics - are discussed in detail. Appendices outline from scratch the proofs of two of the most celebrated limitative results of mathematics:...

One of the most remarkable recent occurrences in mathematics is the re-founding, on a rigorous basis, the idea of infinitesimal quantity, a notion which played an important role in the early development of the calculus and mathematical analysis. In this new and updated edition, basic calculus, together with some of its applications to simple physical problems, are presented through the use of a straightforward, rigorous, axiomatically formulated concept of 'zero-square', or 'nilpotent' infinitesimal - that is, a quantity so small that its square and all higher powers can be set, to zero. The...

This book presents an overview of the development of the Axiom of Choice since its introduction by Zermelo at the beginning of the last century. The book surveys the Axiom of Choice from three perspectives. The first, or mathematical perspective, is that of the "working mathematician." This perspective brings into view the manifold applications of the Axiom of Choice-usually in the guise of Zorns Lemma- in a great variety of areas of mathematics. The second, foundational, perspective is that of the logician or constructive mathematician concerned with the foundational status of the Axiom of...