Only by reducing this element of free will to the infinitesimal, that is, by regarding it as an infinitely small quantity, can we convince ourselves of the absolute inaccessibility of the causes, and then instead of seeking causes, history will take the discovery of laws as its problem. This has been achieved in two essentially different ways, the one providing a rigorous formulation of the idea of infinitesimal number, the other of infinitesimal magnitude.īolzano also formulated a definition of the derivative of a function free of the notion of infinitesimal (see Bolzano ). Say, rather, " infinitesimal" - much like the snowflake that starts an avalanche. To Jack from Texas, I know the Texas education system must be in terrible shape with Republicans running that state for so long, but infinitesimal is not a made up word, just do a search, here is the definition:
The Volokh Conspiracy » “Year of Our Lord” Twice an infinitesimal is an infinitesimal that is twice as big. Obama says differences with Clinton 'infinitesimal' That is the one and only actual meaning of the use of the term infinitesimal by Leibniz.īTW, " infinitesimal" is an actual word and not made up by Obama. adjective infinitely or immeasurably small.noun (mathematics) a variable that has zero as its limit.noun mathematics A non-zero quantity whose magnitude is smaller than any positive number (by definition it is not a real number).įrom WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University.adjective mathematics Of or pertaining to values that approach zero as a limit.adjective Incalculably, exceedingly, or immeasurably minute vanishingly small.noun (Math.) An infinitely small quantity that which is less than any assignable quantity.įrom Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.adjective the different and the integral calculus, when developed according to the method used by Leibnitz, who regarded the increments given to variables as infinitesimal.adjective Infinitely or indefinitely small less than any assignable quantity or value very small.noun In mathematics, a fictitious quantity so small that by successive additions to itself no sensible quantity, such as the unit of quantity, could ever be generated.įrom the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.Infinitely or indefinitely small less than any assignable quantity.noun Mathematics A function or variable continuously approaching zero as a limit.noun An immeasurably or incalculably minute amount or quantity.adjective Mathematics Capable of having values approaching zero as a limit.adjective Immeasurably or incalculably minute.From The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.