A universe where Zeno is right and the law of inertia still holds

[ahmadphy]

Zeno’s paradox suggests motion is impossible due to the need to complete infinitely many steps. In Newtonian physics, this is resolved by assuming space and time are continuous, and motion follows smoothly by inertia.
But is it conceivable to imagine a hypothetical universe where space and time are structured (e.g.in a nonstandard way ) such that Zeno’s paradox holds literally yet objects still obey a law of inertia in some consistent form?

 

[Bystander]

No.

 

[PeroK]

Zeno’s paradox suggests motion is impossible due to the need to complete infinitely many steps. In Newtonian physics, this is resolved by assuming space and time are continuous, and motion follows smoothly by inertia.

Assuming some sort of fine-grained spacetime would also resolve the paradox. That's what happens with motion simulated on a computer screen. In fact, that's a clearer solution to the paradox as there comes a point where the object moves from one cell to the next. And the motion cannot be further subdivided.

 

[ahmadphy]

Maybe I shouldn't ask this here but:
If we could imagine a universe where Zeno's paradox is literally true but inertia still holds, could that maybe explain the quantum superposition?

 

[Nugatory]

If we could imagine a universe where Zeno's paradox is literally true but inertia still holds, could that maybe explain the quantum superposition?

No.
The posts above have already established that Zeno's argument is bogus (Zeno himself, of course, knew that it was bogus because of course motion is possible) whether spacetime is continuous or discrete, so this question is like asking "If 2+2=5 could that maybe explain why water is wet?"... No, a false statement can't explain anything.

And even if the argument were valid, quantum superposition isn't what you're thinking it is. If you aren't up for taking on a first-year QM textbook (several good recommendations in the textbooks section here) yo might try Giancarlo Girardi's book "Sneaking a look at god's cards".

 

[Nugatory]

Closed pending moderation

 

[PeterDonis]

After moderator review, the thread will remain closed.