Reciprocal Balance - the 'simple' approach

[N0B0DY]

"So do you have any proof that the universe is infinite? I have a philosophical difficult time imagining any real thing as infinite. No problems with conceptual things like numbers, points, curves, etc."

If the universe wasn't infinite, we would then have to conclude that the universe exists within a place that isn't there which is easy enough to prove to be illogical. Living inside a finite universe would be synonymous to living inside a house with no outside.

Eventhough my interpretation is abstract, the functioning requires infinity to allow for finite observations because there can be no logical boundary attributed to residual effects. Logically, the area affected must increase infinitely and the force of the effect must decrease infinitely - beyond what can be detected consciously.

[Profpat]

You are right Michael that concept has to come from somewhere. Nobody thanks for the input.

I think I'll post this as a question on the forum, and get this off THoR's site. ( Sorry THoR )

Best to all,

Profpat

[THoR]

"So do you have any proof that the universe is infinite? I have a philosophical difficult time imagining any real thing as infinite. No problems with conceptual things like numbers, points, curves, etc.

Elementary theory of numbers. For every integer you can add +1 and achieve a greater value. The axiom applies to any measurement - time, distance, hiccups - unless a limit applies. It is not infinity that requires proof - it is the existence of a limit.

If the universe wasn't infinite, we would then have to conclude that the universe exists within a place that isn't there which is easy enough to prove to be illogical. Living inside a finite universe would be synonymous to living inside a house with no outside. Eventhough my interpretation is abstract, the functioning requires infinity to allow for finite observations because there can be no logical boundary attributed to residual effects. Logically, the area affected must increase infinitely and the force of the effect must decrease infinitely - beyond what can be detected consciously.

"Eventhough my interpretation is abstract, the functioning requires infinity to allow for finite observations because there can be no logical boundary attributed to residual effects. Logically, the area affected must increase infinitely and the force of the effect must decrease infinitely - beyond what can be detected consciously." You've lost me here, plez xplain.

[Profpat]

THoR,

Numbers don't have limits conceptually. The universe and time and space may indeed have limits. Just because we are expanding now doesn't mean it's going to expand forever. It just may stop and contract.

Profpat

[THoR]

THoR,

Numbers don't have limits conceptually. The universe and time and space may indeed have limits. Just because we are expanding now doesn't mean it's going to expand forever. It just may stop and contract.

Profpat

Expanding? Is the infinite universe expanding? Into what?

The sound of galloping hooves does NOT mean the zebras are stampeding.

Given a finite number of moving objects randomly vectored at random velocities within a finite volume, eventually all collisions which could occur WILL occur - within a finite period of time. Many of those collisions may occur outside of the original volume, but they will still take place within a finite period and within a finite distance. Once all collisions have occurred, all objects will eventually reach the boundary of the initial volume and except for those very few which may be moving at exactly the same velocity in precisely parallel paths, they will all be moving away from each other.

There is more than one explanation for the 'big bang' observations of astronomers. I concede the possibility of some local cosmic engine reaching critical mass and exploding, but it occurred in that infinitesimal portion of the universe visible to our limited technology.

There is more to the universe than meets the telescope - x-ray, radio or otherwise.

[MJA]

Until man knows the finite extent of the universe, it will be known as infinite!

MJA

[mkirkpatrick]

Until man knows the finite extent of the universe, it will be known as infinite!

MJA

I agree MJA, simple and yet profound,I like it! Thanks.



regards michael.