If there are infinite possibilities, then there is a chance that there is an exact replica of earth somewhere in the universe, with me asking this same question, right?
2007-02-22 15:12:46 · 16 answers · asked by kushman13 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
"The Universe is infinite" means that it is ever-expanding. You could never reach the end of it, because it is empty space. For there to be life, there must be matter. There is finite matter. You could, in ideal conditions with proper equipment (which nobody on Earth has) travel to the end of matter. Beyond that would be more space.
Since there is finite matter, the chances of there being an exact replica of earth are very slim, but still possible.
I believe it was Nietzsche that put forth this fun, but mind-boggling idea: Time is infinite. It goes on forever into the past and forever into the future. It doesn't stop, even if the world stopped. Matter is not infinite. There is a large number of ways to arrange all the matter in the Universe, but it would still be some actual number. Since no matter is being created, the number of possible arrangements would be a given. Given infinite time to arrange the finite matter, every arrangement will be made, even the arrangement that is you asking the question at hand. And, given that the number of ways to arrange matter is finite, and there is infinite time, it stands to reason that everything has already been arranged in all its ways. You've already asked the question at some point in history. Furthermore, since time is infinite, you've already asked the question an infinite number of times.
There are numerous flaws in that idea, but sometimes I like to overlook them just so I can imagine that crazy world.
The answer to your question is no, there is not infinite possibilities of life. With finite matter comes finite possibilities.
And conditions need to be just right for life to form (according to scientists, the intelligent life you seek would require a lot of carbon; other intelligent species could, in theory, be had with silicon). The possibilities of any life are slim, but you and I prove that it happens. Perhaps there is another you asking this question. I have a friend that proposed the thought to me years ago. It's unlikely, but so is our own existence. I don't know as if there is one mirroring our own, moment by moment, but I wouldn't be shocked if there was another Earth-like world with human-like species that has a fuzzinutzz-like person running around.
2007-02-22 17:26:20 · answer #1 · answered by fuzzinutzz 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not quite, because technically the universe isn't infinite, just big, really big, and getting bigger all the time. However no matter how big the universe gets, even if it expands infinitely the amount of matter in the universe doesn't increase. So therefore there is a set amount of matter to make the planets, stars, galaxies, and little squidgy life forms. So alas, there isn't and infinite possibilities for life
2016-05-24 01:02:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would be great. I think it more probable we might see "ingredients for what could make life", but nothing that we can define as life. Also we don't know if the universe is infinite or not. The one thing we are recognizing is how unique the variety of life is here on this earth. I guess for now since we don't know the answer to "what's out there", then it's best to take care of "what's on earth",
2007-02-22 15:28:16 · answer #3 · answered by Uncle Remus 54 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the word "possibilities" makes your question difficult to process mentally. For example if I offered you a lottery ticket and stated it had a "possibility" of winning one billion dollars but also stated the "probability" of winning was 800 million trillion to one, you would recognize the near impossibility of that happening.
If there are infinite possbilities then perhaps there are three of you asking the same pointless question. Sorry. I didn't mean any offense, I was just just trying to possibly make a point.
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2007-02-22 15:38:32 · answer #4 · answered by stedyedy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Universe is FINITE not infinite. The possibility of a planet equal to the Earth is very unprovable, but that not eliminate the probability of life different than we know on Earth.
2007-02-22 15:35:04 · answer #5 · answered by Lost. at. Sea. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that yes, if the universe is infinite- then there are infinite possibilities for life. We already know that there are more galaxies that we have yet to discover- so I definitely believe in the possibility of life on other planets, and planets similar to ours. I think that it is selfish and egotistical of humans to think that all "intelligent" life is on planet Earth.
2007-02-22 15:35:06 · answer #6 · answered by Sugarbaby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no the chances of such a program as Yahoo Answers existing somewhere else is very slim.Even in the science of infinite possibilities there are exceptions to the rule of decenty.
2007-02-22 15:23:12 · answer #7 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If being the keyword to your question. I would have to say though it is highly unlikely in a hypothetical infinite universe there is infinite possibilities therefore there is a slim possibility that someone just like you is asking the same question.
2007-02-22 15:20:48 · answer #8 · answered by mightymousex08 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would have to say no because i dont think the universe is infinite. I think the universe is an expanding entity confined to a finite space. It is an infinite improbability that someone somewhere is making teh same answer as me
2007-02-22 15:16:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Quantum physics postulates parallel universes, and if it is not infinite what is beyond it?
Yes there are infinite possibilities ... always.
Know it for sure!
I think I just answered this question a minute ago?
Truly;
Jonnie
2007-02-22 15:39:13 · answer #10 · answered by Jonnie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋