Re: LOGO-L> Re: Total Turtle Trip

[mikedoyle@cix.compulink.co.uk (Mike Doyle)]

In-Reply-To: <Pine.OSF.3.91.971026201028.11068B-100000@mugca.cc.monash.edu.au>-

Jeff Richardson <jeffr@mugc.cc.monash.edu.au> wrote:

> Then try the concept of the infinitesimal. "Drawing' hasn't really got 
> anything to do with this, a circle is an idea...

A procedural description of a circle in Turtle geometry is the description 
of a sequence of actions. When using a computer, the 'circle' ceases to be 
an idea and becomes the description of a process. 

Put simply, however small or large the inputs to:

repeat :N [forward :S right 360/:N] 

the expression remains that of a polygon and does not metamorphose into a 
description of a circle. Please, the words in the language *are* 
important, whatever the ideas of infinitesimal mathematics might allow our 
minds to think.  

Michael Doyle (aka Micheal O Duill)
37 Bright Street
SKIPTON BD23 1QQ UK
Tel/fax: +44 (0)1756 794601
Email: mikedoyle@cix.co.uk

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