Proof that the universe isn't infinate?

[Splitter]

Ok, lets say that the universe goes on forever. This would mean that there are infinate possibilities as every imaginable circumstance would exist somewhere. Assuming this 'fact'; you would have to conclude that, as there are infinate possibilities, everything is possible which also leaves the possibility of everything being impossible, and therefore leading us to conclude that everything is impossible. therefore; some things ARE impossible and the universe is not an infinate being. Discuss

[drewmandan]

That's just word play. No one ever said all possibilities existed; they only said all possible arrangements of matter (or something very similar). At any rate, the observable universe (also the part that is causally connected to us) is finite.

[Zera]

infinate? http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infinite

[Xei]

No. Everything possible must happen in infinite space and time <-logic died here. Nothing can happen that is against the laws of the universe no matter how long the universe exists for or how big it is; see the definition of 'law'.

[Neruo]

Infinate ftw. Also. No. In reply to the proposed theory.

[capoopy]

Nothing can happen that is against the laws of the universe no matter how long the universe exists for or how big it is Agreed. To my understanding, the basic laws of the universe can never changd. Permanent. At least, thats my understanding. But hey, we know so little about the universe, that you may be right =/ We only know things based on observations, theres WAAAY more to observe, and its not necessarily the same as what we got right now.

[TransientOcclusion]

Ok, lets say that the universe goes on forever. This would mean that there are infinate possibilities as every imaginable circumstance would exist somewhere. Assuming this 'fact'; you would have to conclude that, as there are infinate possibilities, everything is possible which also leaves the possibility of everything being impossible, and therefore leading us to conclude that everything is impossible. therefore; some things ARE impossible and the universe is not an infinate being. Discuss Highly unlikely because individual objects are spreading apart, meaning that the creation of new planetiods, which are capable of events such as, life, will become increasingly unlikely. Eventually, the planets will spread so far apart that the force of gravity will be overcome by the expansion rate of the universe, effectively reducing the probability to Zero.

[really]

Speaking of the infinite, can anyone prove existence?

[Xei]

I think therefore I am. That one was sorted a while back.

[Timothy Paradox]

I don't agree... I think that's a very short sighted statement, and I don't care who said it. I think therefore I am. That one was sorted a while back.

[Timothy Paradox]

Speaking of the infinite, can anyone prove existence? Probably not. Because we cannot even define existance, let alone prove it.

[skysaw]

Assuming that an infinitely large universe must manifest every conceiveable possibility is analogous to assuming that an infinitely long length of string must somewhere along its length be made out of coconuts.

[Timothy Paradox]

Assuming that an infinitely large universe must manifest every conceiveable possibility is analogous to assuming that an infinitely long length of string must somewhere along its length be made out of coconuts. Indeed. It's like calculating the chances that there is intelligent life in the universe. (excluding earth ofc) You have to include the size of the universe, and if the universe if infinite, then: A x B X C x Infinity = infinity Or am I wrong?

[Xei]

Well, take for example the universe ending. Some theories say it will. Some say it won't. So I guess if the universe is around for long enough it'll end and also not end? Ok. :\ I don't agree... I think that's a very short sighted statement, and I don't care who said it. If you were responding to me, I don't think so at all. I regard thought and consciousness to be integral to my definition of 'existing'... if I think then I must exist because. In my opinion it's an unassailable fact.

[TransientOcclusion]

Assuming that an infinitely large universe must manifest every conceiveable possibility is analogous to assuming that an infinitely long length of string must somewhere along its length be made out of coconuts. We don't have to worry about our descendants being raped by alien zebra monkeys because the universe isn't infinite.

[Timothy Paradox]

We don't have to worry about our descendants being raped by alien zebra monkeys because the universe isn't infinite. OK, then where does it end? A huge brick wall with the message "Nothing to see beyond this wall - go back"? No seriously, what do you think the end of the universe is like? Is there something beyond the end of our universe? Like, another universe?

[TransientOcclusion]

OK, then where does it end? A huge brick wall with the message "Nothing to see beyond this wall - go back"? No seriously, what do you think the end of the universe is like? Is there something beyond the end of our universe? Like, another universe? The absense of everything.

[Timothy Paradox]

The absense of everything. Empty space? No particles of any kind? To be honest I think we are a little bit too small (and perhaps not advanced enough) to know what lies beyond this border. You know, there is A LOT of empty space in between galaxies, and relatively long distances between solar systems. Perhaps there are other universes, beyond the great emptiness, but we just can't see it?

[TransientOcclusion]

Empty space? No particles of any kind? Once every single, fancy wave proprogation dissapates, there will be the ends of the earth

[Zera]

I don't agree... I think that's a very short sighted statement, and I don't care who said it. I think I'd give it a reword to "I have free will, therefore I am." Oh, and about what you guys are talking about now: I mean, we really can't answer that one. Where is this universe? Is it "all there is"? There's no way to answer that. The day we are able to do that, well, I guess it'll teach us something new about physics.

[Timothy Paradox]

I think I'd give it a reword to "I have free will, therefore I am." Oh, and about what you guys are talking about now: I mean, we really can't answer that one. Where is this universe? Is it "all there is"? There's no way to answer that. The day we are able to do that, well, I guess it'll teach us something new about physics. The day we answer that question, a new question will arise. "Incredible! So there are more universes and together they create one multiverse! Are there more multiverses?"

[Xei]

I personally believe very strongly that there are other universes due to the fine tuning of ours. A few years of biochemistry and it's pretty inevitable that you come round to that way of thinking. I think I'd give it a reword to "I have free will, therefore I am." wtf wot Obviously if you have freewill you do indeed exist, but why bother saying that? What's wrong with the original statement? Is there some situation in which you think but do not exist which makes that distinction necessary?

[Zera]

My dog thinks as well.

[Xei]

Your dog exists, dufus. Also... you are not your dog. :\ I think you should read up what Descartes meant.

[Timothy Paradox]

Your dog exists, dufus. Also... you are not your dog. :\ I think you should read up what Descartes meant. Prove to me that his dog exists. Do you have pictures? No!