- #1
goldust
- 89
- 1
After all, numbers are part of the universe. 
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Numbers are infinite, so why would the universe not be infinite?
In summary, the conversation discusses the role of numbers in the universe and whether they are man-made or inherent to the universe. Some argue that numbers are necessary to understand and describe the universe, while others believe that they are simply a human invention. The conversation also touches on the concept of a natural language to describe the universe and the idea that numbers may be discovered rather than invented. The conversation ends with a sarcastic comment and the conclusion that numbers are still invented, along with other mathematical concepts.
- #2
R136a1
- 343
- 53
goldust said:
Are they? Why do you think this? What evidence do you have of this?
- #3
JorisL
- 492
- 189
R136a1 said:
Haven't you seen that constellation that looks like a 6? If you look good you'll see it whenever and wherever you like ;)
/end sarcasm
R136a1 has a valid point.
Numbers are man-made, we look for a way to describe the universe using maths. It's not that maths is inherent to the universe. If we didn't have math however, there would be so many puzzling things.
It is however impossible to say whether there can exist a more natural language to describe the universe. Also because we can't think of such things without imagining them.
- #4
goldust
- 89
- 1
If numbers are not real and part of the universe, then why are there rules in them? For example, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem
Numbers therefore are discovered, not invented.
Numbers therefore are discovered, not invented.
- #5
JorisL
- 492
- 189
erhm how can you formulate a length without numbers?
Therefore numbers are still invented. As is geometry, topology and whatever you can come up with.
Troll?
Therefore numbers are still invented. As is geometry, topology and whatever you can come up with.
Troll?
- #6
Evo
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
- 24,017
- 3,337
Enough nonsense. Closed.
1. Are there any scientific theories or evidence that suggest the universe is infinite?
Scientists have proposed various theories, such as the Big Bang theory and the theory of cosmic inflation, that suggest the universe may be infinite. Additionally, observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the large-scale structure of the universe, and the expansion rate of the universe all support the idea of an infinite universe.
2. How can something be infinite? Doesn't everything have a beginning and an end?
Infinity is a concept that can be difficult to comprehend, as our human minds are used to understanding things in finite terms. However, in mathematics and physics, infinity is often used to describe something that has no limit or end. In the case of the universe, it is thought to be infinite in size and age, meaning it has always existed and will continue to exist forever.
3. If the universe is infinite, does that mean there are infinite copies of ourselves and other planets?
While the concept of an infinite universe may lead to the idea of infinite copies of ourselves and other planets, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this. The universe is constantly expanding, and even if it is infinite, the distribution of matter and energy within it is not necessarily uniform. Therefore, it is unlikely that there are exact duplicates of ourselves or other planets in the universe.
4. If the universe is infinite, does that mean it goes on forever?
Yes, if the universe is truly infinite, then it goes on forever. This is because infinity has no end or limit. However, the universe may also exist in a cyclical form, where it expands and collapses in an infinite loop. This is still a topic of debate among scientists, and more research is needed to fully understand the nature of the universe.
5. If the universe is infinite, does that mean there is no end to the space we can explore?
If the universe is indeed infinite, then there would technically be no end to the space we can explore. However, due to the vastness of the universe and the limitations of our technology, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to explore the entire universe. Additionally, as the universe continues to expand at an accelerating rate, there are regions of space that will become forever inaccessible to us.
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