He demonstrates his fourth dimension like another spoke in a drawing, and it’s really just as simple as that. The question is can we can see it? We cannot, except to ‘squish’ the fourth dimension down into three dimensions, perhaps, which we are evolved to understand and see—or, again, in brilliant simplicity, Segerman shows us the fourth dimension basically as the third dimension’s shadow which is then transitioned away and moved.
He demonstrates one cube inside another, and then begins to explain the hypercube idea which consists of eight cubes as sides. The concept is unwieldy, obviously, so (in the video below) Segerman uses shadows, lights, and different ‘translations’ of the hypercube to try and explain how we can actually think of a fourth dimension without blowing smoke out of our ears.
Showing off not only his talents as a mathematician in explaining spatial and dimensional concepts, we also get to see Segerman take to what many might consider to be an easier and more enjoyable form of viewing the fourth dimension: 3D printed sculpture. Employing his skill as an artist and 3D printing technician, Segerman continues to give us a well-rounded education in the fourth dimension with his humorous display—while also exhibiting some major talent—of the 3D printed hypercube held together by crazed simians tumbling into the much discussed fourth dimension. The sculpture, quite an impressive display both of art and 3D printing, is titled ‘More Fun than a Hypercube of Monkeys.’
The 3D printed sculpture was displayed this weekend in San Jose at The American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting, and is also featured on Shapeways.
It seems to me if we can go this far, we should be able to imagine any number of dimensions. The key seems to be in enjoying the visual aspects and not thinking about it too hard—better to leave that work up to the ‘beautiful minds’ of our generation.
What do you think of the concept of the fourth dimension? Is it almost too difficult to conceptualize or ‘see?’ Is Segerman’s sculpture one you like to have on the coffee table? Tell us your thoughts in the 3D Printed Sculpture Helps Visualize 4D World forum over at 3DPB.com.