Can a Perfect Circle be Drawn? The Answer May Surprise You!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a perfect circle can be drawn, exploring the implications of perfection in geometry and the physical limitations of drawing. It touches on philosophical perspectives, mechanical principles, and personal experiences related to the concept of a perfect circle.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that a perfect circle cannot be drawn because the perimeter must be a multiple of pi, which is transcendental, suggesting a fundamental limitation.
  • Another participant counters that the transcendental nature of pi does not affect the ability to physically draw a circle using a compass.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the possibility of a 'perfect' circle, noting that the definition of perfection is subjective and may vary.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about attempting to draw a near-perfect circle using their shoulder as a compass, highlighting the practical challenges of achieving perfection.
  • A mechanical principle is introduced, suggesting that the straightest line that can be drawn is limited by the quality of the circles that can be drawn, implying a relationship between circular and linear perfection.
  • Another participant reiterates the idea that perfection is an unattainable ideal, referencing historical philosophical views on the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on the definition of a perfect circle and whether it can be drawn. Multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of transcendental numbers, the nature of perfection, and the practical aspects of drawing circles.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the nature of perfection and the physical limitations of drawing, which are not fully explored or resolved. The philosophical implications of perfection are also referenced but not definitively settled.

mprm86
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Is it possible to draw a perfect circle. My answer wold be no, because the perimeter of the circle should be a multiple of pi, but pi is transcendent, so it is not posibble. Am i right?
 
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No.The transcendental character of \pi has nothing to do with the geometry involved in picking a compasses and drawing that circle.

Daniel.
 
I don't believe a 'perfect' circle is possible, but it depends onwhat you mean by perfect.
 
I think he means a perfect physical circle. In that case, the answer is no.
 
Manchot said:
I think he means a perfect physical circle. In that case, the answer is no.

Actually there are limits to 'perfection'..but as 'good as' is achievable in some instances, example..I was told by someone in high mathematical regard, that it was known from ancient times that the Greek Philosophicals regarded 'perfection' as a human unatainable achievement, he referred to someone (I can't recall who?) that was set a task to produce the perfect circle, "physical drawing of". I immeidiatley went to the blackboard, chalk in hand, and proceeded to attempt the immposible.

I approached the blackboard, stood in front, the I turned at an angle of 45 degree's, so My shoulder was touching the blackboard. I then proceeded to use my shoulder as the 'point' of the compass, turning my arm around, I produced..a near as damn it pefect circle! :wink:

Try it and step back from the blackboard and observe your attempt?
 
The simplest mechanical linkage that produces a straight line motion, Peucillier's inversor, relies on circular motion. So the straightest line you can draw is only as perfect as the best circle you can draw, or maybe less so.
 
Spin_Network said:
Actually there are limits to 'perfection'..but as 'good as' is achievable in some instances, example..I was told by someone in high mathematical regard, that it was known from ancient times that the Greek Philosophicals regarded 'perfection' as a human unatainable achievement, he referred to someone (I can't recall who?) that was set a task to produce the perfect circle, "physical drawing of". I immeidiatley went to the blackboard, chalk in hand, and proceeded to attempt the immposible.

I approached the blackboard, stood in front, the I turned at an angle of 45 degree's, so My shoulder was touching the blackboard. I then proceeded to use my shoulder as the 'point' of the compass, turning my arm around, I produced..a near as damn it pefect circle! :wink:

Try it and step back from the blackboard and observe your attempt?
ah, but it is only what you percieve, (<-----is that how you spell it?)
it is not truly "perfect"
which, nowadays is a loosly thrown around term.
 
thread locked
Necropost replying to a banned member, therefore pointless.
 

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