Felix Hausdorff : Mathematician, Philosopher, Man of Letters / by Egbert Brieskorn, Walter Purkert.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Brieskorn, Egbert.

Contributor:

Purkert, Walter.

Rowe, David.

Series:

Vita Mathematica, 2504-3706 ; 21

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematics.

History.

Science--History.

Science.

Sociology--Biographical methods.

Sociology.

History of Mathematical Sciences.

History of Science.

Biographical Research.

Local Subjects:

History of Mathematical Sciences.

History of Science.

Biographical Research.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (512 pages)

Edition:

1st ed. 2024.

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer Nature Switzerland : Imprint: Birkhäuser, 2024.

Summary:

Felix Hausdorff is a singular phenomenon in the history of science. As a mathematician, he played a major role in shaping the development of modern mathematics in the 20th century. He founded general topology as an independent mathematical discipline, while enriching set theory with a number of fundamental concepts and results. His general approach to measure and dimension led to profound developments in numerous mathematical disciplines, and today Hausdorff dimension plays a central role in fractal theory with its many fascinating applications by means of computer graphics. Hausdorff ’s remarkable mathematical versatility is reflected in his published work: today, no fewer than thirteen concepts, theorems and procedures carry his name. Yet he was not only a creative mathematician – Hausdorff was also an original philosophical thinker, a poet, essayist and man of letters. Under the pseudonym Paul Mongré, he published a volume of aphorisms, an epistemological study, a book of poetry, an oft-performed play, and a number of notable essays in leading literary journals. As a Jew, Felix Hausdorff was increasingly persecuted and humiliated under the National Socialist dictatorship. When deportation to a concentration camp was imminent, he, along with his wife and sister-in law, decided to take their own lives. This book will be of interest to historians and mathematicians already fascinated by the rich life of Felix Hausdorff, as well as to those readers who wish to immerse themselves in the intricate web of intellectual and political transformations during this pivotal period in European history.

Contents:

Preface

Notice for the Reader

I. Family Background and Early Intellectual Interests

Hausdorff’s Childhood and Youth

Hausdorff’s Student Years and Short-lived Astronomical Career

Hausdorff’s Early Mathematical Works

II. A Double Life: the Mathematician Felix Hausdorff and the Philosopher/Man of Letters Paul Mongré

Paul Mongré as a Philosopher

Paul Mongré: Author, Essayist and Critic

Mathematics takes First Priority

III. Hausdorff’s Crowning Mathematical Works

Hausdorff at the Pinnacle of his Career

Full Professor in Bonn, 1921–1933

Hausdorff’s Life during the Nazi Dictatorship

Bibliography

Name Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9783031521355

3031521358

OCLC:

1429725347