Re: D=5

[Robert Cohen <Robert.Cohen@PO-BOX.ESU.EDU>]

I wrote:
> > > >             _______
> > > >           /|      /|
> > > >          ________/ |
> > > >         |  |    |  |
> > > >         |  |____|_ |
> > > >         | /     | /
> > > >         |_______|/
> >
> > If I never experienced a 3-dimensional object, I would see
> the drawing above
> > as two 2-D squares with their corners connected.

to which John S. Denker replied:
> Please look again.

*I* can look at the object and "infer" a 3-dimensional object.  However,
what if I had never seen a 3-dimensional object?  Wouldn't I just see a
bunch of 2-dimensional lines?  I might be amused by how the lines look like
squares sliding past each other as the viewpoint is changed but they would
still look like lines.

All I am saying is that I have never seen a 4-dimensional object.
Consequently, all I see when I look at the 3-D projections of 4-D objects is
two cubes sliding past each other as the viewpoint is changed.  I am unable
to infer what the 4-D object actually looks like in 4-D.

> I think it's amusing.  My neices thought it was amusing.
>
> If you expect it to be clear at first glance, you're
> expecting too much.  You have to stare at it for a good
> long while.

I've look at the simulation at <http://dogfeathers.com/java/hyprcube.html>
through my red/blue glasses.  I still can't infer the 4-D image.  All I see
is a 3-D projection.  How long do I have to look at it?

____________________________________________
Robert Cohen; rcohen@po-box.esu.edu; 570-422-3428; http://www.esu.edu/~bbq
Physics, East Stroudsburg Univ., E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301