The Calculus Controversy

The Calculus Controversy was a debate in the late 19th and early 20th centuries over the rigorous foundations of calculus. Mathematicians questioned whether calculus’s use of infinite processes and limits was logically sound. This led to efforts to formalize calculus using precise definitions, notably through set theory and logic, resulting in the development of modern analysis. The controversy highlighted the tension between intuitive methods and the desire for strict proof. Ultimately, it spurred advancements in mathematical rigor, ensuring calculus could be confidently used in science and engineering.