Single Idea 13212

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / c. Potential infinite]

Full Idea

Nothing is actually infinite. A thing is infinite only potentially.

Gist of Idea

Infinity is only potential, never actual

Source

Aristotle (Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) [c.335 BCE], 318a21)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.480


A Reaction

Aristotle is the famous spokesman for this view, though it reappeared somewhat in early twentieth century discussions (e.g. Hilbert). I sympathise with this unfashionable view. Multiple infinites are good fun, but no one knows what they really are.