Number and Numbers

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects
Cover of the book Number and Numbers by Alain Badiou, Wiley
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alain Badiou ISBN: 9781509534067
Publisher: Wiley Publication: May 18, 2018
Imprint: Polity Language: English
Author: Alain Badiou
ISBN: 9781509534067
Publisher: Wiley
Publication: May 18, 2018
Imprint: Polity
Language: English

The political regime of global capitalism reduces the world to an endless network of numbers within numbers, but how many of us really understand what numbers are? Without such an understanding, how can we challenge the regime of number?

In Number and Numbers Alain Badiou offers an philosophically penetrating account with a powerful political subtext of the attempts that have been made over the last century to define the special status of number. Badiou argues that number cannot be defined by the multiform calculative uses to which numbers are put, nor is it exhausted by the various species described by number theory. Drawing on the mathematical theory of surreal numbers, he develops a unified theory of Number as a particular form of being, an infinite expanse to which our access remains limited. This understanding of Number as being harbours important philosophical truths about the structure of the world in which we live.

In Badiou's view, only by rigorously thinking through Number can philosophy offer us some hope of breaking through the dense and apparently impenetrable capitalist fabric of numerical relations. For this will finally allow us to point to that which cannot be numbered: the possibility of an event that would deliver us from our unthinking subordination of number.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The political regime of global capitalism reduces the world to an endless network of numbers within numbers, but how many of us really understand what numbers are? Without such an understanding, how can we challenge the regime of number?

In Number and Numbers Alain Badiou offers an philosophically penetrating account with a powerful political subtext of the attempts that have been made over the last century to define the special status of number. Badiou argues that number cannot be defined by the multiform calculative uses to which numbers are put, nor is it exhausted by the various species described by number theory. Drawing on the mathematical theory of surreal numbers, he develops a unified theory of Number as a particular form of being, an infinite expanse to which our access remains limited. This understanding of Number as being harbours important philosophical truths about the structure of the world in which we live.

In Badiou's view, only by rigorously thinking through Number can philosophy offer us some hope of breaking through the dense and apparently impenetrable capitalist fabric of numerical relations. For this will finally allow us to point to that which cannot be numbered: the possibility of an event that would deliver us from our unthinking subordination of number.

More books from Wiley

Cover of the book Essentials of Inorganic Chemistry by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Structural Mechanics: Modelling and Analysis of Frames and Trusses by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Business Model Generation by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials, Design and Manufacturing by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Coaching Football For Dummies, Mini Edition by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Development and International Relations by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Biomass as a Sustainable Energy Source for the Future by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Understanding and Applying Basic Statistical Methods Using R by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Teaching Psychiatry by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Mastering Presentations by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Advising Ultra-Affluent Clients and Family Offices by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Elements of Structural Dynamics by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book The Trader's Guide to Key Economic Indicators by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Feel Good by Alain Badiou
Cover of the book Nitrenes and Nitrenium Ions by Alain Badiou
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy