hn-classics/_stories/2004/14080024.md

---
created_at: '2017-04-10T16:40:09.000Z'
title: How real are real numbers? (2004)
url: https://arxiv.org/abs/math/0411418
author: caustic
points: 218
story_text: 
comment_text: 
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created_at_i: 1491842409
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- story
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objectID: '14080024'
year: 2004

---
[Source](https://arxiv.org/abs/math/0411418 "Permalink to [math/0411418] How real are real numbers?")

# [math/0411418] How real are real numbers?

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# Mathematics > History and Overview

# Title: How real are real numbers?

Authors: [G. J. Chaitin][27] (IBM Research)

(Submitted on 18 Nov 2004 ([v1][28]), last revised 29 Nov 2004 (this version, v3))

> Abstract: We discuss mathematical and physical arguments against continuity and in favor of discreteness, with particular emphasis on the ideas of Emile Borel (1871-1956). 

| ----- |
|  Comments:  |  14 pages, minor improvements |  
|  Subjects:  |  History and Overview (math.HO) |  
|  MSC classes:  |  68Q30 |  
|  Cite as:  |  [arXiv:math/0411418][29] [math.HO] |  
|    |  (or [arXiv:math/0411418v3][30] [math.HO] for this version) | 

## Submission history

From: Gregory J. Chaitin [[view email][31]]   
[**[v1]][28]** Thu, 18 Nov 2004 22:35:07 GMT (11kb)  
[**[v2]][32]** Wed, 24 Nov 2004 03:15:31 GMT (11kb)  
[**v3]** Mon, 29 Nov 2004 16:41:15 GMT (11kb)  

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  [*MSC]: Mathematical Subject Classification