Does an infinite universe effect an infinite outlook?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of an infinite universe on the limitations of observation. Participants explore whether our observations are constrained by the physical properties of the universe, such as the speed of light and the expansion of space, while considering concepts of infinity and time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether our observations are necessarily limited in an infinite universe, suggesting that the speed of light and causal connections impose constraints.
  • Others propose that an infinite universe with infinite time could allow for observation of infinite space, particularly by an immortal observer.
  • One participant argues that even with infinite time, the expansion of space creates an event horizon that limits what can be observed.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that definitions of terms like "infinite physical universe" and "infinite time" need to be clarified for a more productive discussion.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the concept of an infinite universe coexisting with expansion, raising questions about the nature of infinity and its implications for physical reality.
  • A reference to Frank Tipler's "Physics of Immortality" is made, highlighting its exploration of infinity and immortality, though its mathematical complexity is noted as a potential barrier for some readers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the relationship between infinity and observation, with no clear consensus reached. Disagreements exist regarding the implications of an infinite universe and the nature of observation within it.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for precise definitions and clarify that the discussion is heavily dependent on the interpretations of infinity and the physical characteristics of the universe.

Loren Booda
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Is our observation necessarily limited in an infinite physical universe?
 
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The current thoughts that I have about the universe is that it is impossible to be finite. I'm not talking about matter incapable of pulling it back together, or anything that is up in the air right now. When I'm done with it, hopefully within the next year, I'll post up my conclusion or hypothesis whether it is correct or wrong.
 
Observation of what? Or Observation of everything?
 
Loren Booda said:
Is our observation necessarily limited in an infinite physical universe?
The most obvious answer would be 'yes', because c is constant (and much less than infinite), and all causal connections - including 'observation' - happen at c or slower.

But perhaps Loren has some particular slant, not yet shared, for our consideration?
 
An infinite physical universe, having infinite time, would allow the observation (by an immortal observer) of its infinite space even with a finite light speed. Which introduces the question: can an observer possesses properties (e. g., life-time) of unlimited values?
 
YOu can't see all the universe even in an infinite amount of time because space itself is expanding. The frontier between the things that will be visible and the things that won't is called the event horizon, and is actually at approximately 17 billions of ly of distance
 
Loren Booda said:
An infinite physical universe, having infinite time, would allow the observation (by an immortal observer) of its infinite space even with a finite light speed. Which introduces the question: can an observer possesses properties (e. g., life-time) of unlimited values?
I think we'll rapidly need to sharpen the meanings of the terms we're using here ... e.g. 'infinite physical universe', 'infinite time' ... both in themselves and wrt the universe we appear to current live in ... :biggrin:
 
Loren Booda said:
Is our observation necessarily limited in an infinite physical universe?

This seems a lot like complex infinity, is it not? I think then, it would depend on the outlook of what infinity actually is and what its physical characteristics hone to each unknown quantity. If it would be a continuum of space, who knows? As Nereid said definition in terms need to be defined here for criticism and encouragement, but don't ask me, I'm only in 10th grade! :biggrin:
 
Frank Tipler's "Physics Of Immortality"

An oldie, but a goodie.
Frank Tipler's "Physics Of Immortality" is a great read, and touches on the "intangible and indefinable values" of "infinity" and "immortality". The Maths may be a bit much for most, but I think its perhaps the most daring and revealing work out there, touching on this theme.
Check it out...
 
  • #10
Nereid et al,

Let me restrict an "infinite universe" to all possible topologies of our observable spacetime manifold, where "infinite time" or "infinite space" correspond to geodesics integrated over those topologies between observer and object.
 
  • #11
If the universe is infinite, how can it be expanding.

Space is infinite. The universe is finite.
 
  • #12
How then can infinite space be expanding?

Infinity is a concept approached in limits, not a number. An "infinite" (velocity) field in space may be assigned an infinity of values, even those approaching infinite velocity.

Please return to my last post which defines further the thread question: "Is our observation necessarily limited in an infinite physical universe?"
 

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