Mathematical Methods in Region-Based Theories of Space: The Case of Whitehead Points

Abstract

Regions-based theories of space aim—among others—to define points in a geometrically appealing way. The most famous definition of this kind is probably due to Whitehead. However, to conclude that the objects defined are points indeed, one should show that they are points of a geometrical or a topological space constructed in a specific way. This paper intends to show how the development of mathematical tools allows showing that Whitehead’s method of extensive abstraction provides a construction of objects that are fundamental building blocks of specific topological spaces.

Keywords

• boolean contact algebras
• region-based theories of space
• point-free theories of space
• points
• spatial reasoning
• grzegorczyk
• whitehead
• extensive abstraction