Philosophy question-is there really an X&Y axis?

Answer 1

Yes. But there is no X&Y blog today.

What about a Z-axis?

Answer 2

with regard to what, exactly? If I draw two lines on a piece of paper, and label them x axis and y axis... then there is an x and y axis on my paper... Either way, the answer is yes...


edit:

Also, whether or not they are made up, "for comfort in mathematics," like some people say... that is absurd. I consider them a discovery, because mathematically, they work. They help to solve difficult equations... So, the answer is still yes... but I don't think that this is a philosophical question...

Answer 3

X-Y axes are merely a way used to define locations of things in a plane. Add a third axis (usually called Z) and you can define locations in 3D space. Of course, there are other ways of doing it: cylinrical coordinates, which use a radius, angle, and a linear dimension (r, theta, z), and spherical coordinates, which define location with two angles and a radius (r, theta, psi). Then there's the time position, usually designated with t. But the REAL question is: are there MORE than three spacial dimensions? One can create such worlds mathematically, and indeed, such n-dimensional geometries have applications in science & engineering. But are they "real"? An additional spacial dimension must fulfil the following criterion: it must be at a right angle to each of the other three. Try to imagine that, and do try to not go mad in the process...

Answer 4

No. The X-Y axis was introduced first by descartes to solve mathematical problems of trigonometry. The XY axis is a bideminsional projection in order to create a grid in which you can as quickly pinpoint any location in it, as well as trace any line, calculate any area, etc.

But it's imaginary. it does not have intrinsic existence, as we perceive it corporeally. Is just a tool to measure reality. But this doesn't make it any less "real" than let's say: "circle" or "triangle" or "cube". Get my point? They are abstractions, but for all practical purposes they must be assumed and taken as real in order to serve their purpose.

The map is not the territory...

Answer 5

They X/Y axis is a mathematical / geometrical concept.
It exists nowhere in space, but it allows us to measure things within the universe in which we do live. It exists in the sense that the Universe is consistent and that it is a useful reference.
It doesn't exist in the sense that is a mental construct, that is nowhere to be found in the Universe, outside from our representations.

Answer 6

They are 'symbols' for something else. But in my opinion, 'thinking' something makes it a reality; in other words, any symbol, takes on life by humans 'adopting' and 'accepting' these symbols. Rituals are symbolic actions and they are very powerful in cultures, religions and even magikal rites, because it is a mirror of thought itself which is symbolic of an idea that can be expressed either verbaly or visualy. So, if it is symbolic of something existing, and you and I agree on the meaning, then it is real. Along these same lines, your dreams are real, until you wake up *wink*.

Answer 7

Yes, they are lines constructed to give an idea of where things are. They are not physically drawn lines on the earth labeled X in black marker, but these axes do exist.

Oh, but I would love it if they did not. Then I would not need to take Physics or Math Analysis.

Answer 8

The XY axis is as real as Wednesday.

Answer 9

Depends on who you ask,
Mathmaticians will say yes, because they do not think outside the box.

Why not say the blue and green axis?

Answer 10

Do you see them anywhere? No, they are a mental construct to give a 2-dimensional representation that makes it easier to visualize.