MoonlitSunshine

So I'm writing an Essay for a Philosophy module in Logic that I decided to take this term. The essay title is:

"Does the infinite exist? Consider in the light of Logic and Mathematics"

Now, I have my own views on infinity. I definitely believe the concept exists, more more as a placeholder than an actual achievable existence, but I'm always interested in what other people have to say on subjects such as this.

And so I ask you: how do you feel about the concept of infinity? is it a number? Does it exist in a tangible sense? does it exist at all? Does it scare you? Tell me all!

MAJOR EDIT REQUIRED: Seems I forgot to spell check my title. Any mod wanna help me out there? :P

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SATCHMO

Infinity simply is. It exists independent of the human ability to conceptualize it. Time on the other hand is an illusory concept and is really just a measurement of space.

ravenRAWRRR

this is very complicated.
in the sense of matter? no, because matter can not be created or destroyed.
so i think my BELIEF in infinity depends on exactly what aspect of infinity we are talking about.

adidasss

I can't fathom it and it's scary. Not just in regards of time, which I suppose you can rationalize as a fake concept measured by the transient nature of all things, but what about space? What the fuck does it mean that space is infinite? On the other hand, how can it end? What, suddenly after 1 gazillion billion light years there's a barrier with a sign "that's it, space ends here". What's beyond, nothing? What's nothing? You know....man...?

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Last.fm

right-track

Lay off the ganja.

MoonlitSunshine

my reasoning is that it is not possible to achieve the infinite, but it is quite a handy point of reference. That is to say, that if we can prove (mathematically) that something holds for any number less than infinity, then it holds for every number. if an equation has no "limit" (as in, as the sequence continues, the value increases, either at a constant or non-decreasing rate), it is easiest to say that it has its limit "at infinity". that isn't to say that it ever reaches infinity, but rather that it will keep getting bigger indefinitely the further the sequence goes.

Similarly to say that Space is infinite is to say that no matter how far you were to travel, you would never reach an "edge", because it is expanding at a rate greater than we can travel. It would be easy, at that point, to say that space must then be finite, if we can potentially travel to the edge of the universe (which by logical reasoning we must, since the universe was definitely once of finite size, according to the big bang theory), but that then requires that there be space for the universe to expand into. But the universe contains everything in existence, so how can it expand if there is nothing to expand into? Well, consider the arithmetic of infinity. Infinity + anything is still infinity. Similarly infinity - anything is still infinity. So that means if the universe is infinite in size this handy conjecture regarding adding and subtracting anything from infinity helps solve these problems :P

Of course, we could just assume that rather than the universe getting bigger, we're getting smaller, thus giving the impression of expansion.

__________________
"I found it eventually, at the bottom of a locker in a disused laboratory, with a sign on the door saying "Beware of the Leopard". Ever thought of going into Advertising?"

- Arthur Dent

Toao

I think it's a great concept. Nissan can still build inexpesive cars, and use their vast resources & experience to build a fine luxury car. That's why I chose a G35.

adidasss

Yes, exactly, and if it once came into existence, didn't it come from something in something? Nothing can come from nothing. What came before the big bang? Something always had to precede something right? Where does it all begin/end??

__________________
“Think of what a paradise this world would be if men were kind and wise.” - Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle.

Last.fm

right-track

Here's my take on a subject I only know little about.

Does the infinite exist?
Mathematically or philosophically?
Mathematically, I agree with SATCHMO's answer about it being apart from human concept. This includes mathematics, obviously.

Therefore;

Is it a number?
No.

Does it exist in a tangible sense? Does it exist at all?
Yes. The universe is expanding...infinitely. The outer limits are expanding faster than the speed of light (apparently) due to expansion. (I have a question. Doesn't that mean that the universe is finite?)
Beyond the outer limits and what lies beyond (if anything), I have no idea. I'm as head fucked as the Croatian on that one...who isn't?

Does it scare you?
Yes and no!
Yes, if I spent an awful long time trying to wrap my head around it and no because the chances of me being successful at actually wrapping my head around it are pretty remote.
I see no point in being afraid of something I don't fully understand.
Ignorance is bliss.

ravenRAWRRR

what?

ooooh!!!

hahaha...

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