Infinity

[THoR]

Scholars are quick to point out that infinity doesn't exist - and they are absolutely correct. But the inference they derive from that truth illustrates a total lack of understanding. Infinity is real simply and specifically BECAUSE it doesn't exist.

Infinity is the non-existence of a limit, and if a non-existence existed it wouldn't be a non-existence. There is obviously a finite distance between every two points in the Universe, but there is no point - however distant - where the Universe ends. Some mistakenly believe that if there is a finite distance between every pair of points then the farthest point in the cosmos must be a finite distance away. What they don't understand is that just defining two points sways the realm of their consideration from the infinite back to the finite. When dealing with infinity, there is no limit, there is no 'farthest' and there is no 'all'. The fact that no defined point of infinity exists serves only to further validate the concept.

Pundits propose the Universe is finite but unbounded. The scholarly sleight of hand to which theorists occasionally descend is, indeed, amazing. Three independent XYZ coordinates are all that is necessary to uniquely specify any point of existence within the Universe - hence there are said to be three 'dimensions' (more accurately, three axes). If the Universe were finite, then for any given point there must exist another point within a finite distance at which travel in any direction will not increase the distance between the two. If someone wants me to believe the universe is finite, then all they have to do is simply convince me that the value of at least one of the XYZ coordinates has a limit.

Sail ye not too far into the Universe lest thou fallest from its edge.

[labelwench]

Life.......the journey from here to infinity, with some interesting viewpoints along the way.

That we are able to conceptualize infinity, and that the concept is immeasurable and intangible from the perspective of parameters rather fits with what you have said, at least in my thoughts.

[PoPpAScience]

Infinity and finite are both faith based beliefs. If there is a finite limit to the very small, then one must explain the void in which it exists and also explain why it is indivisible. When it comes to infinity, there only needs to be one thing, that is pure potential in substance.

Both of these concepts are pure contemplative and never to be seen by humans. To say infinity does not exist, is purely speculative, with out any facts.

[PoPpAScience]

Any point is divisible, and if not, why?

[austintorn@aol.com]

The All would not be all if were limited either in extent or duration.

[Graybeard]

Any point is divisible, and if not, why?

The Leptons, the Quarks .... they are not divisible.

Because they are pointlike elementals ... the true 'atoms'

cool bananas .... greg

[THoR]

Infinity and finite are both faith based beliefs. If there is a finite limit to the very small, then one must explain the void in which it exists and also explain why it is indivisible. When it comes to infinity, there only needs to be one thing, that is pure potential in substance.

Both of these concepts are pure contemplative and never to be seen by humans. To say infinity does not exist, is purely speculative, with out any facts.

No...I've BEEN to infinity. Thought about buying property out there, but the cost of commuting is prohibitive...and my wife HATES to hold dinner till I get home.

Some information can be derived from simple logic, other information, empiracally. Infinity is VERY difficult to prove empiracally.

[PoPpAScience]

The Leptons, the Quarks .... they are not divisible.

Because they are pointlike elementals ... the true 'atoms'

cool bananas .... greg

Why are they indivisible? What are they made of, and why is it not divisible? The answers to these questions can only be answered with faith in one's beliefs.

[THoR]

Life.......the journey from here to infinity, with some interesting viewpoints along the way.

That we are able to conceptualize infinity, and that the concept is immeasurable and intangible from the perspective of parameters rather fits with what you have said, at least in my thoughts.

Your dorsal fin is AWFULLY familiar. Didn't we meet a few trillion years ago around somewhere in the Splash Galaxy.

[THoR]

The Leptons, the Quarks .... they are not divisible.

Because they are pointlike elementals ... the true 'atoms'

cool bananas .... greg

How do you know they are actual independent existences and not just features of a larger entity? Mass is a condition. A portion of an entity may have that property while the rest does not.