Does a 2-dimensional world really exist?

[Lars1408]

When we try to explain different dimensions we say that higher dimension beings have control over lower dimension beings. If a sphere moves trough a 2D world, the 2D beings will see a dot appear followed by a line which is increasing in size. Thereafter, the line decreases in size and becomes a dot again before it disappears completely.

However, when you think of a line you always think of a certain amount of height. A line without any form of height seams to me like it would be invisible. Even a piece of paper has height, even the graphite from the pencil which you draw with has a certain 3D trail on top of the paper.

When I imagine a 2D world, I imagine a very narrow horizontal area 360° around me in which I can see. It is however still an area with a height. So my question, does actual 2D exist? How can you have a line or a dot with no height?

 

[HomogenousCow]

A two-dimensional space exists as a mathematical construct which can be useful in modelling systems found in the real world. However the world we live in is (as far as we know) three dimensional.

 

[Ibix]

So my question, does actual 2D exist?

One surface of a piece of paper is 2d. That, of course, is a mathematical abstraction. Whether it "really exists" or not is less important than whether the concept is useful.

When we try to explain different dimensions we say that higher dimension beings have control over lower dimension beings.

Do we? I guess you've been reading Edwin Abbott's Flatland. Do remember that it's a satire on English social attitudes as well as a fun description of some different dimensional manifolds. Don't take it too literally.

 

[Lars1408]

One surface of a piece of paper is 2d. That, of course, is a mathematical abstraction. Whether it "really exists" or not is less important than whether the concept is useful.

Do we? I guess you've been reading Edwin Abbott's Flatland. Do remember that it's a satire on English social attitudes as well as a fun description of some different dimensional manifolds. Don't take it too literally.

With the second quote I mean that we could be above a 2D space withouth the 2D space ever knowing about this. IF a 2D world does exist it would make sense that they could only percieve the plane they are in.

 

[HomogenousCow]

With the second quote I mean that we could be above a 2D space withouth the 2D space ever knowing about this. IF a 2D world does exist it would make sense that they could only percieve the plane they are in.

This is just a science fiction concept, science has nothing to say about this.

 

[Doc Al]

This is just a science fiction concept, science has nothing to say about this.

I think that's the perfect note on which to close this thread.

@Lars1408, have you read the classic "Flatland" by Edwin Abbott? (Just for fun.)