Let's remove one axiom from Euclidean geometry

In summary, removing one axiom from Euclidean geometry, such as the postulate for describing a circle with any center and distance, would result in new geometries being formed, as seen when attempting to remove the parallel postulate. It is difficult to predict the specific consequences of removing this particular axiom, but looking at ordered and absolute geometry may provide some insight.
  • #1
Vicol
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I'm wondering what could happen if we remove one axiom from Euclidean geometry. What are the conseqences? For example - how would space without postulate "To describe a cicle with any centre and distance" look like?
 
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  • #2
The way you'd have to approach this is how specific theorems of Euclidean Geometry are affected when you remove a postulate.

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/EuclidsPostulates.html

As am example, there was a time when people tried to remove the parallel postulate and prove it from the other four but they all failed. Later it was determined that new geometries resulted from a relaxation of the parallel postulate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_postulate

Off hand, I can't see the affects that removing the circle or allowing for multiple circles would have on the geometry. Perhaps looking at ordered geometry or absolute geometry will give you some insight:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordered_geometry

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_geometry
 

1. What is Euclidean geometry?

Euclidean geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of points, lines, angles, and shapes in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. It is based on the work of the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid and is considered the foundation of modern geometry.

2. What is an axiom in Euclidean geometry?

In Euclidean geometry, an axiom is a statement or a principle that is accepted as true without requiring any proof. These axioms serve as the building blocks for the rest of the geometric principles and theorems.

3. Why would we want to remove an axiom from Euclidean geometry?

Removing an axiom from Euclidean geometry allows us to explore different geometric systems and see how altering the fundamental assumptions can affect the resulting theorems and proofs. It also helps us understand the limitations and boundaries of traditional Euclidean geometry.

4. What is the most commonly removed axiom from Euclidean geometry?

The most commonly removed axiom from Euclidean geometry is the parallel postulate, also known as the fifth postulate. This axiom states that if a line intersects two parallel lines, then the interior angles on the same side of the transversal are supplementary. Removing this axiom leads to the development of non-Euclidean geometries.

5. How does removing an axiom affect Euclidean geometry?

Removing an axiom from Euclidean geometry results in the creation of different geometric systems, such as hyperbolic and elliptic geometries, which have different properties and theorems compared to traditional Euclidean geometry. It also challenges our understanding of space and shapes and allows us to explore new concepts and ideas in mathematics.

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