MATHEMATICAL INFINITY INTERPRETED THROUGH GE-NETIC EPISTEMOLOGY

Abstract

In this report, we present a study about the mathematical infinity with regard to the Genetic Epistemology. Through the Piagetian clinical method, an explorato-ry study was carried out to understand the different conceptions about the mathematical infinity. The subjects were between 13 and 73 years old and they have been addressed to manipulate concrete experiments and then have been asked to respond to a semi-structured interview. Using mathematical tests in which the results tend to infinity or to very large numbers, we notice how the subject faces a feasibility issue without having a concrete material to handle. Regarding the results, we find out three levels of understanding on the theme: Inconceivable Existence, Existence little conceivable and Infinite as a representa-tion of something that has no end. We found that the notion of the mathemati-cal infinity did not depend on age, degree of education or professional area of the participants and we conclude that this notion is constructed by different levels of the thought. The presented study could be useful for teachers of basic and higher education, since it exposes how the interviewees organize its thoughts when facing the addressed issues.