An actual infinite cannot exist.
God is infinite.
Therefore, God cannot exist.
What is wrong with this argument? Is there anything wrong with it? It certainly seems valid.
2006-09-06 10:55:50 · 21 answers · asked by sokrates 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
For more information about actual/potential infinites, see http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Infinite.htm
btw, I am a theist. I have just wondered how theists reconcile this apparent difficulty. Aristotle says that an actual infinite cannot exist, as does Thomas Aquinas. A painstaking discussion of this topic also is contained in William L. Craig's and Paul Copan's Creation out of Nothing, page 197-217.
I guess part of the solution to this seeming dilemma hinges on how one defines infinite.
2006-09-06 11:09:05 · update #1
I agree that the syllogism is not valid, as it stands. But if I adjust the minor premise (premise 2), then it seems that the argument would be valid (as you demonstrate). But I think there is still something wrong with the argument. The medieval philosophers made a distinction between qualitative and quantitative infinity. God is not an actual quantitative infinite, but an actual qualitative infinite. The argument thus seems to contain an ambiguity as respects the terminology "actual infinite."
2006-09-06 23:50:38 · update #2
sorry the deduction is not valid. both of the premises are valid but the problem is they are not comparable, on the first premise you stated a certain type of infinitum (lex specialis), the actual infinite while on the second premise you stated a general infinitum(lex generalis) therefore the conclusion is not valid, simply stated, if on the second premise you stated that god is an actual infinite, the deduction is valid. your statement implies that if God's infinitum status is not actual, i.e. potential it is still valid to deduce that god can exist.
2006-09-06 18:34:32 · answer #1 · answered by jingleh4m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An actual infinite can exist.
God is infinite in non quantitative form, according to dogmatic theologies.
Therefore some room is left for God to exist , one that is beyond the grasp of scientific methods unfortunately.
Proof can only be derived for materialists, to conclude that there is nothing more.The human mind is finite.The soul reaches a plane though.
Science still cannot explain the existence of the soul, and shortcuts the possibility of it's incepton into scientific thought altogether. In my humble opinion though, God just cannot be proven through logical deductions or dialectics, but rather as an experiential truth. And that is where spirituality comes in. Gnostics know this.
2006-09-07 18:48:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An actual infinite cannot exist within the restrictions of human understanding and definition, though I'd like to know your definition of "actual infinite." Moreover, an actual infinite can exist through human deduction. In order for God to be God, He (or she or it) must operate beyond human finititude...that is by the very definition of God.
So, just because we are not able to comprehend infinite and therefor can't literally measure it, does not mean it does not exist at some capacity. We simply are not equipped with the appropriate tools of understanding. Human understanding grows each day, which thereby suggests that the world and all that exists in the universe should not be limited to human understanding. If that's the case, then there is no room for growth in that understanding.
2006-09-06 19:18:29 · answer #3 · answered by Philthy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, people... Logic has its place and all... But we are finite beings trying to place an infinite Being into a finite way of reasoning... Besides, what makes the statement "An actual infinite cannot exist" true...? Has it ever been proven? And why would anyone believe such a thing, anyway...? "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' " - Matthew 19:26
Let's start with an easier question, like a good respnose to the wife asking the hubby, "Does this make me look fat...?"
2006-09-06 18:06:27 · answer #4 · answered by KnowhereMan 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Start counting and let me know when you reach the end... then add 1. can you add one again? I thought so. Keep going. :)
In other words infinite can exist, but putting a use that WE can practically use is not likely... No one wants to count for the rest of their life. And yes God is infinite.
CyberNara
2006-09-06 18:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by Joe K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An infinite can exist--one example being the number line--therefore, since your primary statement is false, your conclusion is, in the words of logicians, unsupported!
2006-09-06 18:45:59 · answer #6 · answered by The Armchair Explorer 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am atheist so i more then agree, but one question.....where did you get the info that an actual infinite cannot exist as I would like to read up on that
2006-09-06 17:58:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
God by definition is the uncaused Cause or the Sine Qua Non, the without which not. Who is the cause, the Creator. We read in Romans 11:34-35: "or who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?"
"Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?"
2006-09-06 18:24:04 · answer #8 · answered by mgkrl491969@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who said that an actual infinite cannot exist?
Who said that God is infinite?
2006-09-06 18:02:01 · answer #9 · answered by SPLATT 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are trying to argue and demonstrate infinite quantities with finite words and methods. Simply you can't. Goedel told it.
2006-09-06 17:58:01 · answer #10 · answered by Embliri Trex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋