more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 9790

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

Full Idea

Geometry studies naturally occurring lines, but not as they occur in nature.

Gist of Idea

Geometry studies naturally occurring lines, but not as they occur in nature

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 194a09)

Book Ref

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.37


A Reaction

What a splendid remark. If the only specimen you could find of a very rare animal was maimed, you wouldn't be particularly interested in the nature of its injury, but in the animal.