more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 14154

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

Full Idea

Geometry no longer throws any direct light on the nature of actual space.

Gist of Idea

Geometry throws no light on the nature of actual space

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Principles of Mathematics [1903], §353)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Principles of Mathematics' [Routledge 1992], p.374


A Reaction

This was 1903. Minkowski then contributed a geometry of space which was used in Einstein's General Theory. It looks to me as if geometry reveals the possibilities for actual space.