Finitism

/ˈfɪnɪtɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A philosophical position in mathematics that only accepts finite objects and constructions as valid.

Etymology

From finite + -ism (suffix for doctrines or systems). This term emerged in early 20th-century mathematical philosophy.

Kelly Says

Finitism is a radical mathematical philosophy—it rejects infinity entirely, meaning a finitist mathematician would dispute Cantor's infinite sets and some foundational mathematics we take for granted today.

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