Science

Jim__

(15,281 posts)

9. That doesn't show that there is no minimal distance; it shows what happens if you assume ...

Tue Feb 2, 2016, 03:58 PM

Feb 2016

... that there is no minimal distance.

Zeno knows that if you watch the race, you see Achilles catch the tortoise. But, if you assume that space is continuous - i.e. there is no minimal distance - then Achilles can't catch the tortoise. This supports his argument that all motion is an illusion. The natural counter-argument is to assume that there is some minimal distance; but Zeno has other paradoxes to counter that.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

9 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Physicists investigate the structure of time, with implications for quantum mechanics and philosophy [View all] Jim__ Feb 2016 OP

In other words, time exists so everything doesn't happen at once. The Velveteen Ocelot Feb 2016 #1

reminds me EdwardBernays Feb 2016 #2

Thank you for sharing this virtualobserver Feb 2016 #3

Zeno's paradoxes HassleCat Feb 2016 #4

I'm not clear on how you think the tale of Achilles shows that here is no least unit of time. Jim__ Feb 2016 #6

Achilles and the tortoise HassleCat Feb 2016 #7

That doesn't show that there is no minimal distance; it shows what happens if you assume ... Jim__ Feb 2016 #9

Thank You For Sharing cantbeserious Feb 2016 #5

Enjoyed the conversation, philosophy, and article about Motion and Condensate, Distance and Time. DhhD Feb 2016 #8