Re: Epistemology 201: The Science of Science

From: aeo6 (aeo6_at_cornell.edu)
Date: 03/15/05 

Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 13:28:06 -0500

robert j. kolker said:
>
>
> Lester Zick wrote:
>
> >
> > Of course the world is full of circles, Tony, and other curved shapes.
> > Straight lines only exist in our minds. It's the reason we have only a
> > limited ability to comprehend nature. The problem is that in our minds
> > is where numbers lie so they don't lie on any curved line we actually
> > know mentally.
>
> How about the parabola given by y = x^2. The real number x can be
> associated with the point on the parabola (x, x^2). So the real numbers
> can be thought of as lying on the above parabola which is surely not a
> straight line. The parabola given above is just as much the real number
> line as the x axis of the cartesion plane.
>
> You are pathetic.
Oy again with the insults!
>
> Bob Kolker
>
Yes, one could construct a parabolic coordinate system, just as one can create
a radial coordinate system. It can even be 2D. I doubt this reflects the state
of space, however. Circles make more sense, especially given the fact that
infinity=-infinity. (baits the hook) 

-- 
Smiles,
Tony

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Epistemology 201: The Science of Science
    ... >> Of course the world is full of circles, Tony, and other curved shapes. ... >> Straight lines only exist in our minds. ... > Bob Kolker ...
    (sci.cognitive)
  • Re: Epistemology 201: The Science of Science
    ... >> Of course the world is full of circles, Tony, and other curved shapes. ... >> Straight lines only exist in our minds. ... > Bob Kolker ...
    (sci.math)
  • Re: Warped Vacuum?
    ... So that straight became a purely subjective ... >of a sphere, for example, the geodesics are great circles. ... >vacuum/dielectric states but untimely as nothing. ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: Cantor Confusion
    ... And maybe that's why they're taxicab drivers. ... you get these nonsensical definitions for squares and circles. ... Are circles composed of straight lines? ... Learn some mathematics for a change. ...
    (sci.math)
  • Re: Cutting torch guides
    ... Some of the straight variety, ... I was considering going and getting some of the track wheels used on sliding security doors and making a dolly for them. ... I got some ideas for long straight cuts, and circles, probably just a copy of what's available on the market. ...
    (sci.engr.joining.welding)