In:
Phronesis, Brill, Vol. 54, No. 3 ( 2009), p. 239-260
Abstract:
I offer a new interpretation of Aristotle's philosophy of geometry, which he presents in greatest detail in Metaphysics M 3. On my interpretation, Aristotle holds that the points, lines, planes, and solids of geometry belong to the sensible realm, but not in a straightforward way. Rather, by considering Aristotle's second attempt to solve Zeno's Runner Paradox in Book VIII of the Physics, I explain how such objects exist in the sensibles in a special way. I conclude by considering the passages that lead Jonathan Lear to his fictionalist reading of Met. M3,1 and I argue that Aristotle is here describing useful heuristics for the teaching of geometry; he is not pronouncing on the meaning of mathematical talk.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0031-8868
,
1568-5284
DOI:
10.1163/156852809X441340
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Brill
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2036943-8
SSG:
5,1
SSG:
6,12
