Re: Epistemology 201: The Science of Science

From: Albert Wagner (albertwagner_at_cox.net)
Date: 03/17/05 

Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 15:46:35 -0600

robert j. kolker wrote:
>
>
> Lester Zick wrote:
>
>>
>> Where did you see the definition of a circle in the words you wrote
>> down?
>
>
> Given a point and a length r A circle about the point with radius r is
> the set of points which are distance r from the given point (center).
> Where do you see the word "infiite"?

Well, Bob, you have just revealed method #2034 of specifying
infinity without actually using the word: "the set of points
which are distance r from the given point." Of course, as Lester
has pointed out, that defines the infinite number of circles on a
sphere, not a specific one.

> In operative terms you pick a
> point as center, open a compass to width r and draw the circle about the
> point. It is one of euclids postulates that such a circle can be drawn.
> The definition I gave is essentiall the definition of circle given by
> euclid.

How utterly shameful -- to stoop to a compass rather than a
definition. Oh, Bob. 

-- 
"I consider it quite possible that physics cannot be based
on the field concept, i. e., on continuous structures. In that
case nothing remains of my entire castle in the air,
gravitation theory included, [and of] the rest of modern physics."
	-- Albert Einstein in a 1954 letter to Michele Besso.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Epistemology 201: The Science of Science
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  • Re: Epistemology 201: The Science of Science
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