Abstract

AbstractOne of the most famous philosophical applications of model theory is Robinson’s attempt to salvage infinitesimals. Infinitesimals are quantities whose absolute value is smaller than that of any given positive real number. Robinson used his non-standard analysis to formalize and vindicate the Leibnizian approach to the calculus. Against this, the historian Bos has questioned whether the infinitesimals of Robinson's non-standard analysis have the same structure as those of Leibniz. We offer a response to Bos, by building valuations into Robinson's non-standard analysis. This chapter also introduces some related discussions of independent interest (compactness, instrumentalism, and o-minimality) and contains a proof of The Compactness Theorem and Gödel’s Completeness Theorem.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.