Single Idea 9553

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 3. Axioms for Geometry]

Full Idea

With the invention of analytic geometry (by Fermat and then Descartes) physical space could be represented as having a mathematical structure, which could eventually lead to its axiomatization (by Hilbert).

Gist of Idea

Analytic geometry gave space a mathematical structure, which could then have axioms

Source

Charles Chihara (A Structural Account of Mathematics [2004], 02.3)

Book Reference

Chihara,Charles: 'A Structural Account of Mathematics' [OUP 2004], p.43


A Reaction

The idea that space might have axioms seems to be pythagoreanism run riot. I wonder if there is some flaw at the heart of Einstein's General Theory because of this?