Religion, Mathematics and Nothing

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4.13-jfse-2000-duffy.pdf(1.48 MB)
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Date
2012-08-21
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OA Version
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Abstract
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The concept of "nothing" is important in both mathematics and theology. Its most obvious use in mathematics is in the number zero which arrived in Western Europe in the 12th Century. In theology it features significantly in the dogma of creaho ex nihilo, which was taught by a Council in 1215 c.e. Noting the relative proximity of these two events leads to the research task described in this essay: an exploration of the influence of mathematics on theology, with respect to the notion of nothing.
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