more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 21585

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / L. Paradox / 4. Paradoxes in Logic / a. Achilles paradox]

Full Idea

The idea that an infinite number of instants make up an infinitely long time is not true, and therefore the conclusion that Achilles will never overtake the tortoise does not follow.

Gist of Idea

The tortoise won't win, because infinite instants don't compose an infinitely long time

Source

Bertrand Russell (Our Knowledge of the External World [1914], 6)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Our Knowledge of the External World' [Routledge 1993], p.178


A Reaction

Aristotle spotted this, but didn't express it as clearly as Russell.