Skip to main content

Actual Infinities Empirically Exist?

It is obvious that actual infinities are rationally (metaphysically) impossible, in the sense of their capability of being empirically conceptualized. One can't conceive such an  infinity in empirical terms. The only way  one can try to conceptualize such is by attempting a measurement function that is potential in nature. Zeno demonstrated this long ago in order to discredit the credibility of phenomenal experiences, which accordingly are logically untenable. (See Achilles and the Tortoise and The Stadium). Zeno used the paradoxes to support his monist metaphysics. However, the arguments could, I think, be equally used to dump the reliability of rational metaphysics and cheer pluralistic realism.

W L Craig interprets Zeno's infinite divisions as potential and not actual.  What he means is that one can go on, empirically,  dividing a distance endlessly and never reach a metaphysical point of indivisibility, though in reality (experience), traversing distances is a daily affair - we do cross roads. He sticks to the empirical angle of interpreting the paradox. What I think Craig has done is to reiterate that actual infinities are not metaphysically possible, though the empirical concept of crossing roads, for instance, shows that an actual infinite distance was traversed in actual time (empirical sense, also infinitely divisible). In other words, when the rational function is applied to an empirical fact, a paradox ensues. Subjective and objective epistemology vs ontology issues are tense here. It can also mean that the distance between two points is an objectively actual infinity of points, and the act of traversing is potential meaning that the athlete cannot metaphysically traverse the distance, though he physically does it. The problem is there because a distance between points is an empirical concept while division is a rational category. The problem still remains.

However, it seems to me that strictly speaking, potentiality is an empirical category and not a rational one. Rationally speaking, the objective infinity of divisions is actual, though empirically absurd.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Story of the Song Stuti Aradhana Upar Jati Hei

In 1995, while waiting alone in a van for his colleagues who had gone shopping, Wilson Burhankar, presently Senior Associate Pastor at the Fellowship Church of Itarsi, fell into ecstasy remembering the awesome goodness of God in his life. It was his first year in the Seminary as a teacher and his first year as a full-time Worship Leader at the Itarsi Church. He remembered the ill-battered lifestyle that he had lived prior to knowing Christ, the drunken boozes, the street fights, the nights spent singing at religious gatherings, and the continual stress and pain inflicted on his family because of his sin-laden lifestyle. But, one day the Lord changed his life all over. He came to the Seminary and underwent three years of theological training. The greatest surprise came when Dr. Thomas asked him to consider to stay back and minister here as a worship leader. Inside he felt totally unworthy, and yet was confident of the grace of the Lord. As he sat in the van considering these things, the...

Ibadat Karo by Anil & Reena Kant (Lyrics and Translation)

IBADAT KARO – ANIL & REENA KANT CHORUS: Hei duniya ke logon oonchi aawaj karon O people of the world, lift up your voice Gawon khushi key geet And sing the songs of joy Uska gungaan karo Declare praises of Him Ibadat karo uski Ibadat karo (x2) Worship Him, Worship… (Repeat Chorus) 1. Yaad karo ki vahi ek Khuda hein Remember that He alone is God Hum ko ye jeevan useene diya hein It is He who has given us this life Us charagah se hum sab hein aaye We all have come from that (spring) Humd o sana ke hum geet gaaye Let’s sing the song of His praise Rab ka tum shukar karo Give thanks to the Lord Oonchi aawaj karo Lift up your voice Gawon khushi key geet And sing the songs of joy Uska gungaan karo Declare praises of Him Ibadat karo uski Ibadat karo (x2) Worship Him, Worship… 2. Naamey Khudawand kitna mubaarak How blessed is the Name of the Lord! Mera Khudawand kitna bhala hein My God, How good is He! Rehmat hei uski sadiyon purani His compassion is from ageless past Wafa ka azar se yahi s...

Origin of the Poem "When God Wants To Drill A Man"

The poem as quoted in Oswald J. Sander's (not to be confused with Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)) Spiritual Leadership (1967) credits it to an "Author Unknown". The poem as he quotes it is as follows: When God wants to drill a man    And thrill a man    And skill a man, When God wants to mold a man    To play the noblest part; When He yearns with all His heart    To create so great and bold a man That all the world shall be amazed,    Watch His methods, watch His ways! How He ruthlessly perfects    Whom He royally elects! How He hammers him and hurts him,    And with mighty blows converts him Into trial shapes of clay which    Only God understands; While his tortured heart is crying    And he lifts beseeching hands! How He bends but never breaks    When his good He undertakes; How He uses whom He chooses    And with every purpose fuses him;    By ev...