Is infinity really possible (or is it all in the mind)?

Question

Infinity is a mathematical notion, but physically very hard to accept. Imagine an infinite universe where all things exist infinitely, i.e. infinitely replicated. Imagine yourself replicated infinitely not only as you are now but as you ever were and ever will be. I understand this to be the ultimate implication of infinity and my mind can't handle it. Maybe it's OK as a notion, but not a reality. Is infinity possible, therefore, but not probable?

Answer 1

I challenge anyone to name any physical thing that is verifiably known to be infinite in number or size. Frankly, if there is such a thing in this universe, nobody has ever seen it.

It's not like we would easily be able to miss it, either. If any one thing in the universe is inifinite, then the universe itself would have to be infinite to contain it. This infinite thing would have an infinite effect on everything else, and would otherwise end up being the only thing of import, unless everything else was correspondingly infinite.

But that's just not the case. I know of NO astronomers or physicists who think our universe is infinite in size. I know of NO scientists who believe anything can be infinitely small. Yes, there are many things that are really, REALLY big or small, but that's a far cry from infinite.

So it would seem that the infinite is not a property of the universe we are in. It may be a property of other universes we don't have access to, but then so might any number of other hypothetical things.

It is certainly something that can be explored in the world of ideas... and the fact that it is so difficult to wrap your brain around is just further evidence that it doesn't naturally occur. Take a similar example - a fourth physical dimension. Like infinity, enough training can teach your brain how to deal with the idea, but compared to picturing a cube or a square, a hypercube is ridiculously difficult.

That's my take on it, anyway. Peace.

Answer 2

This is a hard concept for humans to comprehend. Clearly if space is mostly nothing, having an infinite amount of nothing is clearly possible.
Having multiple universes and every possible version of every possible universe, whilst theoretically possible, defies common sense. If it is the case then the universe is stranger than even we can imagine.

Answer 3

Infinity can be comprehended to an extent by our mind through examples of continuum that has no starting point nor an ending point, such as a circle. Another way is to think of a situation if there were to be absolutely no change... then there is no beginning nor an end.

Answer 4

Infinity exists; for example there is no end to outer space; it goes on forever. Infinity. The same with time. No beginning; no end. (We measure time as beginning with the big bang, but there was something here before that.)
So its not just a mathematical "notion;" its a fact. But I agree, it is difficult to wrap ones mind around the idea.

Answer 5

simply b/c your mind can't handle the thought of infinity does not mean it isn't a reality.
It is very difficult, if not impossible, for a finite mind to comprehend infinity; I think our understanding of infinity must come as an understanding of finitude. Also, people don't go on for infinity - our lives are finite. we live, we die, we do not go on infinitely.

Answer 6

How can there not be infinity? The universe as we know it, including ourselves works on this principle. Something cannot come from nothing. However, the fact that we exist is proof that something has always been there because we cannot come from nothing.

Answer 7

its only as finite as you may think it to be.....its all about perception.....
to me, inifinity (used in math and science) is just a smart way of saying "i don't know".....but then again, its a term thats uncomprehendable for our minds since we live such defined lives, "everything has to have a reason..."
The fact is, infinity and finity are both true, i mean they both exist and not exist at the same time, it's just how you perceive things.....
so maybe its probable, or maybe not.....

Answer 8

Infinity is possible notion, but in our present conditioned state of life when we are severely hampered by our limited material body and mind and we cannot comprehend infinity.
But if we regain our spiritual vision through spiritual parctice and meditation we can again experience infinity through purified senses.

Answer 9

Infinity is infinitely possible and therefore must be absolutely real.

At least as real as anything else we perceive as real.

Answer 10

For some human beings convinced. yet no one knows for confident, and the those that remember on God are basically trusting their instincts. i might want to kill someone I hate and say I relied on my instincts and that'd be authentic. i might want to fairly imagine that individual deserved lack of existence. human beings remember on what they want. for my section, i like some data and that i will't get my options round infinity. yet, to respond to your question, i imagine many, many human beings can settle for God, yet i imagine no one thoroughly knows God.