Three Infinities in Mathematics: Projective Geometry, Infinitesimal Analysis, Set Theory

This book is intended as conceptual introduction to three mathematical theories arising from the attempt to understand (actual) infinity. Though the treatment does not avoid technical aspects, it tries to explain their origins and purposes. The book is divided into three parts, each composed of two chapters and a few appendices. Each part presents in detail one of three moments in which mathematicians made a concerted effort to control the idea of infinity: Projective Geometry, Infinitesima...