Subject:
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Philosophy According to Franklin -- What is a Box?
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Thu, 19 Feb 2004 00:42:27 GMT
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Viewed:
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320 times
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What is a box? Seems like a simple question, so it outh to have a simple
answer...
Let's start with a basic definition -- a box is a rectangular solid; that is, a
three-dimensional object having six sides (or "faces"), each of which is a
rectangle. It also has twelve edgelines -- four surrounding the top face, four
more around the bottom, and another four which can be imagined as columns
supporting the top face in position over the bottom face.
Suppose we take away one of the faces -- let's say, the top face. Is this
object still a box? I would say, yes it is. I can use this object, by putting
things into it, and carry the box around, making it easier for me to carry the
things inside the box (as opposed to carrying these things individually).
OK, suppose we take away another face -- let's say, the bottom one, the one
opposite the face we previously deleted. Is this object still a box? I'd say,
probably yes, but it depends. I cannot carry anything inside this object, so
it's of no utility in that respect. But, if it's large enough, I can place it
on the floor, and some children can use it as a "fort."
What if we take away any more faces? Would this object still be a box? I'd
say, no...
In the case of a three-sided object, where two of the faces are opposite each
other, I'd call this a "screen" (as in a "dice screen" or a "game master's
screen," a term understandable to most gamers).
And in the case of two adjacent faces, I'd call this a "flap" or a "fold." A
fold is a _very_ common structure in _origami_ (Japanese paper-folding art), but
a fold does _not_, in and of itself, constitute a box.
So, in summation, I'd say that an object _must_ have _at_least_ four faces to be
considered a "box." (But that's just my opinion -- I could be wrong... ;)
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