RE: Actual Infinity in Reality?
March 5, 2018 at 12:14 pm
(This post was last modified: March 5, 2018 at 12:22 pm by RoadRunner79.)
(March 5, 2018 at 12:05 pm)polymath257 Wrote:(March 5, 2018 at 10:56 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: Well we are just repeating ourselves anyway.... and you refuse to look at the logic. I don't dispute that in a conceptual geometric model, that you have a theoretical point in time, for any infinitesimal point in distance. However the question is, in something real, what does this "point" represent? What are you saying is the actual infinite? As well, when you actually follow the model you are presenting to show and actual infinite and do the math, at no point will you ever reach the end (which equates to the definition of infinite). This is not an assumption, but a fact. You can do that calculations by hand, you can make a computer model, neither will ever reach the end (which is why you use those methods to show an infinite to begin with). You seem to be assuming an infinite, and assume that any "point" you can make up on paper, correlates to something in real motion, and then ignore the logical contradiction of your assumptions. As an engineer, I would say you need to get out of the office (or classroom) a little more.
(edit to add) Also as for bringing up modern physics theories and such, there is the notion of a Planck length. Where it is theorized, that classical ideas concerning space time, break down, and quantum effects take over. That at this point, any distinction between two points is indistinguishable. You might also keep in mind, that things are always moving (vibrating back and forth)
Since we don't seem to be getting anywhere... I leave you to get ready for your vacation; I hope you have fun.
A point represents a location between 0 and 1. Wasn't that obvious?
And yes, there is an infinite number of such points.
And yes, we *do* reach the end. The *logic* that I presented shows that. Your *claim* is based on a faulty *assumption* that you cannot a complete an infinity. And no, that is NOT a fact. Remember, to be infinite *only* means that it cannot be put into correspondence with some counting number. it does NOT mean 'has no bound'. it does NOT mean 'goes on forever'. it does NOT mean 'has no end'. The example of the sequence we have been considering shows the differences.
So are you saying that counting numbers have an end? Or that only non-counting numbers do not end? It seems to me, that you are attempting to make a distinction without a difference.
Also just to clarify, would you agree that these locations, do not necessarily correspond to anything physical on the line, or involved in the motion. They serve a purpose, for an academic model but are not an actual infinite number of things?
It is said that an argument is what convinces reasonable men and a proof is what it takes to convince even an unreasonable man. - Alexander Vilenkin
If I am shown my error, I will be the first to throw my books into the fire. - Martin Luther
If I am shown my error, I will be the first to throw my books into the fire. - Martin Luther