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Single Idea 10250

[from 'Elements of Geometry' by Euclid, in 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 3. Axioms for Geometry ]

Full Idea

Euclid gives no principle of continuity, which would sanction an inference that if a line goes from the outside of a circle to the inside of circle, then it must intersect the circle at some point.

Gist of Idea

Euclid needs a principle of continuity, saying some lines must intersect

Source

comment on Euclid (Elements of Geometry [c.290 BCE]) by Stewart Shapiro - Philosophy of Mathematics 6.1 n2

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.183


A Reaction

Cantor and Dedekind began to contemplate discontinuous lines.