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Full Idea
An infinite circle is impossible, since any circle is bounded by its circumference.
Gist of Idea
Circles must be bounded, so cannot be infinite
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (Dialogue on human freedom and origin of evil [1695], p.114)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.114
A Reaction
This is interesting if one is asking what the essence of a circle must be. If is tempting to say merely that the radii must be equal, but can they have the length of some vast transfinite number? The circumference must be 2π bigger.
13162 | Sloth's Syllogism: either it can't happen, or it is inevitable without my effort [Leibniz] |
19339 | Evil is a negation of good, which arises from non-being [Leibniz] |
13163 | Circles must be bounded, so cannot be infinite [Leibniz] |
13164 | God only made sin possible because a much greater good can be derived from it [Leibniz] |