Mathematics & Computer Science
Classification of infinities
1st millennium BCE-CEJain mathematiciansSurya Prajnapti; SatkhandagamaPan-Indian / unspecified
1,000 BCE
Distinguished several kinds of infinity and very large numbers, an early theory of the infinite.
- Dated
- 1,000 BCE–1000
- As scholars put it
- 1st millennium BCE-CE
- Originator
- Jain mathematicians
- Source text
- Surya Prajnapti; Satkhandagama
- Region
- Pan-Indian / unspecified
- Discipline
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Evidence
- Plausible precursor
- Confidence
- Medium
- Verification
- Reference-cited
Meanwhile in the West
Rigorous infinity theory came with Cantor (19th c.).
Fair to say
A conceptual/philosophical classification, not Cantor's set theory.
Path to modern innovation
Infinity is central to modern mathematics.
Transmission
Independent philosophy of the infinite.
References
- 1Jain canonical texts
- 2G. G. Joseph
Further reading
Corrections and additional sources: edit IND-087 on GitHub.