Single Idea 10245

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 2. Geometry]

Full Idea

One geometry cannot be more true than another; it can only be more convenient.

Gist of Idea

One geometry cannot be more true than another

Source

Henri Poincaré (Science and Method [1908], p.65), quoted by Stewart Shapiro - Philosophy of Mathematics

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.154


A Reaction

This is the culminating view after new geometries were developed by tinkering with Euclid's parallels postulate.