FLORENSKY’S PHILOSOPHICAL IDEAS AND THE THEORY OF SETS OF CANTOR

Abstract

The article considers the role of the idea of actual infinity in the works of Florensky. The introduction briefly traces the history of ideas about the actual infinity in European culture to the works of George Cantor. The reaction of European scientists and religious figures to the emergence of the “naïve” theory of Cantor sets is characterized. A detailed analysis of the connection between Florensky and George Cantor’s ideas is given. Many quotations from the 1904 work on the symbols of Infinity are given, which illustrate the influence of Cantor’s works on Florensky. The presentation of Florensky’s religious and philosophical ideas of Cantor about the actual infinity is given. Emphasized understanding Florensky transfinite numbers Cantor as symbols.