Georg Cantor (1845-1918)
Georg Cantor is a German mathematician whose work in set theory and transfinite numbers remains as one of the most important conributions to mathmatics. His theorem implies the existence of the "infinity of infinitied".
His work was not well received initially as it was counter-intuitive and question the authority of much of modern mathematics. His history-making paper was at first denied publication and when it was finally published, reception was by no means cordial.
His ideas encountered resistance from other leading mathematicians especially Leopold Kronecker who was once his mentor.
By 1900, his work had gained some respect in the mathematical community, however, it was still not universally accepted.
Sources:
Evolution of mathematical concepts, R.L. Wilder
The Story of Mathematics, Motz & Weaver
http://dissertations.bc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1092&context=ashonors
Point.
The traditional views of the mathematicians prevented them from acknowledging and accepting Cantor’s work. For a theorem to be considered as part of mathematical knowledge, it has to be first accepted. Is there then a social aspect in mathematics?
:Noted:
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