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Single Idea 10244

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 2. Intuition of Mathematics ]

Full Idea

Even if spatial intuition provides a little help in the heuristics of four-dimensional geometry, intuition is an outright hindrance for five-dimensional geometry and beyond.

Gist of Idea

Intuition is an outright hindrance to five-dimensional geometry

Source

Stewart Shapiro (Philosophy of Mathematics [1997], 5.2)

Book Ref

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.150


A Reaction

One might respond by saying 'so much the worse for five-dimensional geometry'. One could hardly abolish the subject, though, so the point must be taken.