tailieunhanh - A Defence of Free-Thinking in Mathematics

In answer to a Pamphlet of Philalethes Cantabrigiensis, intituled, Geometry no Friend to Infidelity, or a Defence of Sir ISAAC NEWTON, and the BRITISH Mathematicians. Also an Appendix concerning Mr. WALTON'S Vindication of the Principle of Fluxions against the Objections contained in the ANALYST. WHEREIN It is attempted to put this Controversy in such a Light as that every Reader may be able to judge thereof. | A DEFENCE OF FREE-THINKING IN MATHEMATICS 1 A Defence of Free-Thinking in Mathematics By George Berkeley Get any book for free on Get any book for free on A DEFENCE OF FREE-THINKING IN MATHEMATICS 2 A Defence of Free-Thinking in Mathematics In answer to a Pamphlet of Philalethes Cantabrigiensis intituled Geometry no Friend to Infidelity or a Defence of Sir ISAAC NEWTON and the BRITISH Mathematicians. Also an Appendix concerning Mr. WALTON S Vindication of the Principle of Fluxions against the Objections contained in the ANALYST. WHEREIN It is attempted to put this Controversy in such a Light as that every Reader may be able to judge thereof. By George Berkeley 1. When I read your Defence of the British Mathematicians I could not Sir but admire your courage in asserting with such undoubting assurance things so easily disproved. This to me seemed unaccountable till I reflected on what you say p. 32 when upon my having appealed to every thinking reader whether it be possible to frame any clear conception of Fluxions you express yourself in the following manner Pray Sir who are those thinking readers you appeal to Are they geometricians or persons wholly ignorant of geometry If the former I leave it to them if the latter I ask How well are they qualified to judge of the method of fluxions It must be acknowledged you seem by this dilemma secure in the favour of one part of your readers and the ignorance of the other. I am nevertheless persuaded there are fair and candid men among the mathematicians. And for those who are not mathematicians I shall endeavour so to unveil this mystery and put the controversy between us in such a light as that every reader of ordinary sense and reflection may be a competent judge thereof. 2. You express an extreme surprise and concern that I should take so much pains to depreciate one of the noblest sciences to disparage and traduce a set of learned men whose labours so greatly conduce to the honour of this .