401-1010-00L  The Foundations of Analysis from a Philosophical and Historical Point of View

SemesterSpring Semester 2017
LecturersG. Sommaruga, L. Halbeisen
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman
CommentParticularly suitable for students of D-MATH
Number of participants limited to 40


AbstractAccompanying the courses in analysis, the beginning and development of analysis will be considered and discussed from a philosophical perspective. In particular, different approaches towards dealing with the problems sparked off by the infinitesimals will be studied. And finally, a short presentation of non-standard analysis will be given.
ObjectiveThis course aims at enabling the students to have a critical look at the basic philosophical premisses underlying analysis, to analyze them and to reflect on them.
NB. This course is part of the rectorate's critical thinking initiative.