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Re: Archaeopteryx flight



In a message dated 9/2/01 3:53:26 AM EST, david.marjanovic@gmx.at writes:

<< What I mean is that a mathematical proof involves showing that 2 things 
are the same, that is, that 1 thing is the same as itself -- counterintuitive 
sometimes, but IMHO nonetheless circular. The circles are just hanging from 
definitions instead of floating around in vacuum. >>

No, a mathematical proof is a logically constructed sequence of statements 
that extends from a set of statements known or assumed to be true to a 
proposition whose truth is established by the existence of the sequence. 
There is no circularity. Here the operative phrase, of course, is "logically 
constructed."