"Doing Business with the Devil"

Paper Summary:

This paper presents two differing conceptions of infinity and how they apply to a single thought experiment. The author points out that the first viewpoint is that of Rucker who believes that infinity is as real as any other mathematical concept and is essentially a Platonist viewpoint. The paper relates that the other conception is that of Lakoff and Nunez who believe that infinity is an abstract metaphor whose use should be employed when it is useful, but which is not real.

From the Paper:

"In "Doing Business with the Devil", we are presented with an interesting intellectual dilemma that has a few things to do with our discussion of the infinite. At first glance (and even second and third glances) the puzzle seems nearly nonsensical. The words make sense, but the point is elusive. In the puzzle, an individual is dealing with the Devil in a situation with an infinite number of one-dollar bills, which the Devil just happens to collect."

More papers on "Doing Business with the Devil":

• Essay # 84014 : "Infinity and the Devil's Puzzle"
• Argumentative Essay # 30843 : "A False Puzzle"
• Essay # 84001 : "Conflicting Perceptions of Infinity"

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