Repository logo
 

A priori concepts in euclidean proof

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

No Thumbnail Available

Type

Conference Object

Change log

Authors

Epstein, PF 

Abstract

With the discovery of consistent non-Euclidean geometries, the a priori status of Euclidean proof was radically undermined. In response, philosophers proposed two revisionary interpretations of the practice: some argued that Euclidean proof is a purely formal system of deductive logic; others suggested that Euclidean reasoning is empirical, employing concepts derived from experience. I argue that both interpretations fail to capture the true nature of our geometrical thought. Euclidean proof is not a system of pure logic, but one in which our grasp of the content of geometrical concepts plays a central role; moreover, our grasp of this content is a priori.

Description

Keywords

5003 Philosophy, 50 Philosophy and Religious Studies, 5002 History and Philosophy Of Specific Fields

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, Supplementary Volume

Conference Name

2017 Joint Session

Journal ISSN

0309-7013
1467-9264

Volume Title

118

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Rights

All rights reserved