EXAM REVIEW (RECALL)

Question 1

1. Infinity: What is Lucretius’ case for the infinitude of space?

Answer 1

Lucretius’ case for the infinitude of space:

If the universe has a boundary, there must be something outside of it to limit it. But nothing can be outside the universe.

Suppose there is an edge and you can stand there and throw a missile. If it goes forward, then there is no boundary and you are not at the edge. If it is blocked, then there is something outside and you are not at the edge.

Question 2

1. Infinity: What is the actual infinity and potential infinity?

Answer 2

Actual: Infinitely many things actually exist, and space and time are actually infinite in existence.

Potential: “Infinity” has meaning only in the infinite iteration of actual finite steps

E.g. There are not infinitely many particles, but any particle of matter may be subdivided without any actual limit.

Space is not actually infinite, but any step in any direction may be followed by another step.