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282 | Joel David Hamkins on Puzzles of Reality and Infinity

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

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Potentialism: The Universe of Mathematical Objects

The concept of potentialism in set theory has evolved over time, moving away from the notion of infinity being a core component. Potentialism now focuses on the idea that the universe of mathematical objects could be unfinished, even if there are actual infinities within it. This perspective allows for the universe to contain infinite sets at different levels of completion. Potentialism is not solely about infinity but revolves around the question of whether the mathematical universe is completed. Scholars are delving into potential set theory to explore different aspects of potentialism and its implications on the philosophical understanding of our mathematical reality.

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