more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 13163

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

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 Reference

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.