M A T H E S I S

From Finite Sets to Mathematical Infinity

My name is Jean Barbet, I am an independent mathematician and I have been teaching mathematics for more than ten years. I hold degrees in experimental sciences (Master's degree in Biology and postgraduate degree in Environmental Sciences) and a PhD in Pure Mathematics (Lyon 1 University, 2010). I 

After an experience of techno-scientific research in Ecophysiology, I reconverted to Mathematics. Enrolled in the 3rd year of a Bachelor's degree at the University, I experienced the material limits of university teaching (restriction of the volume of contents, concentration on algebra and analysis, multiple approaches...). I filled my gaps and completed my learning by undertaking an integration of mathematical knowledge. By adding substantial but fundamental elements - especially in number theory, geometry and mathematical logic - I have developed a "system of higher mathematics", called Mathesis.

I wish to transmit this system as a written corpus and an online curriculum to make the core of essential mathmatics accessible to all. The corpus is conceived as a complete and self-sufficient body of knowledge, corresponding to a Bachelor's degree in mathematics (Bac +3) of the highest level, plus substantial supplements. The aim of Mathesis is to enable anyone to learn the essentials of higher mathematics on their own.

You can find more information on the corpus and a detailed description of the approach and programme at Mathesis: integrating mathematical knowledge and all related publications at Mathesis: e-Books.

From Finite Sets to Mathematical Infinity

M A T H E S I S - The Mathematical Universe - Year 1, Semester I, Course n°2

This second course or volume of Semester I of the first year of Mathesis - The Mathematical Universe, is entirely my own. It is designed to help you quickly and solidly grasp the essential and structuring concepts of mathematical finiteness and infinity.

It is an opportunity to complete the basics of naive set theory acquired in the first course, by the fundamental notions of Cartesian product, relation and application, which allow to develop the rigorous theory of functions, from which we can really talk about the "number of elements" of a set (or rather, about the notion of equipotence, which mathematically compares the numbers of elements). 

It is also the occasion to approach the bases of "combinatorics" or theory of finite sets, through the numeration of these sets (i.e. the attribution of a cardinal or number of elements) and the enumeration of the finite sets which one can build starting from other finite sets; it is notably a question of binomial coefficients and of permutations.

The theory of infinite sets, defined from finite sets, is based on the same principles, and gives rise to their intrinsic characterisation by the primitive concepts of set theory, which is already a significant achievement in mathematical learning. Between the finite and the infinite, we approach the essential study of the set N of natural numbers, through its successor function, on which rests the axiomatisation of arithmetic that we will tackle in the following course, and the study of other natural mathematical sets, which will be tackled in the rest of the semester.

Of course, merely reading this booklet will not turn you into a mathematical expert overnight. You will have to follow the work advice I give you at the beginning of the course, and above all work with regularity and perseverance, without ever getting discouraged. I tell you more in the book, but you will have to analyse demonstrations and do exercises.

What you will learn and understand in this second course is a safe and accessible path to the knowledge of mathematical finiteness and infinity; the content of the first course is, however, considered as a prerequisite, especially what concerns naive set theory and elementary logic. Mathematics is first and foremost a science, so you will find theory; but you understand by doing, and you will often have to solve exercises and problems to implement the course, which I will suggest in most lessons. You must be aware of the effort involved, and that reading this book like a novel will not be enough to tame mathematical infinity. You are responsible for your own success, but I have done my best to guide you step by step, without failure, as I have done for many students.

E-book, 66 pages, .pdf 

17 $

18 lessons, 23 figures, 66 pages, 1 month training

A complete course on finite set theory and mathematical infinity

Self-study in fail-safe mode

18 advanced lessons, integrating theory and practice, for a rigorous understanding of mathematical finiteness and infinity

Jean Barbet - M A T H E S I S

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