Not that the propositions of geometry are only…
“Not that the propositions of geometry are only approximately true, but that they remain absolutely true in regard to that Euclidean space which has been so long regarded as being the physical space of our experience.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Euclidean geometry is exactly true within its abstract space, even if physical space differs.
In simple terms: Euclidean geometry is perfectly true in its own abstract space.
Recognize the limits of physical intuition.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- teaching geometry
- philosophical debates
- science education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does abstraction aid scientific progress?
- When should we trust mathematical models?
Physical space may not match Euclidean assumptions.