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Infinity and creation: The origin of the controversy between Thomas Hobbes and the Savilian professors Seth Ward and John Wallis. (English) Zbl 0792.01009

This is the first of two intended papers dealing with the controversy between Thomas Hobbes and the Savilian Professors Seth Ward and John Wallis concerning the use of the infinite in mathematics. This dispute has been neglected by earlier historians of science who took a largely internalist view of a dispute they considered at best deplorable. The paper under review deals primarily with Seth Ward, and locates the origin of the controversy in the theological issue of the creation of the world (as contrasted with a world without beginning). The paper is written in a lively fashion, and the presentation of 17th century arguments about the infinite is fascinating. In fact as the author points out, until about 1652 Hobbes’ mathematical reputation among his contemporaries was rather high (in sharp contrast to the low esteem granted him now in such areas). ‘Leviathan’ was published in 1651 (when Hobbes was 63) and Ward’s attack on him begins in 1652. Ward and Wallis did not always agree and a sequel paper will deal with Wallis, who, of course, is remembered as a mathematician, as Ward is not. The controversy essentially continued until Hobbes’ death in 1679, though Ward’s last statement seems to have been in 1661.

MSC:

01A45 History of mathematics in the 17th century

Biographic References:

Hobbes, Thomas; Ward, Seth; Wallis, John
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