# criterium of impossiblity of constructing mathematical distance for given set [closed]

Is there any research on the topic of sets of objects that don't allow for a definition of a distance between them? In other words, if we have some set of objects with some properties is there a way to prove that it is impossible to define any mathematical distance between them? [EDIT] a (trivial) distance of 1 can be always defined for distinct set elements so this part of the question doesn't have a substance.

Yet another way to ask this question is to say that there might be objects that we can not compare with each other in the way that is satisfying the norm equations (scalability, triangle, positive, zero). How can we prove that the set we have is such an "impossible" set? [EDIT] because a norm in this sense is defined on vector spaces, are there vector spaces that doesn't have any norm? Or is there also always some trivial norm possible? [EDIT2] indeed it is always possible to construct a norm as discussed in this question Is there such thing as an unnormed vector space?

## closed as unclear what you're asking by Lord Shark the Unknown, Xander Henderson, Namaste, Shailesh, Claude LeiboviciSep 9 '17 at 5:18

Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

• Thanks, this explains why I could not find much by googling. I see now that one can always define a trivial distance. Is there a trivial norm that can always be defined on any vector space? – Diego Sep 8 '17 at 19:23