Is the Universe Truly Expanding? Examining the Paradox of Infinite Expansion

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of the universe's expansion and the implications of its potential infinitude. Participants explore the relationship between an infinite universe and the notion of expansion, examining both geometric and philosophical perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if the universe is infinite, its expansion may not pose a contradiction.
  • Others argue against the ability to definitively calculate the universe's infinitude, suggesting it might be finite or infinite.
  • A participant illustrates the concept of infinite sets by comparing two infinite sequences, suggesting that expansion can occur within infinite contexts.
  • A later reply expresses appreciation for the clarification provided by the previous points.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the universe's infinitude and its implications for expansion, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the unresolved nature of the universe's infinitude and the dependence on interpretations of infinity in mathematical contexts.

Ben.meyer
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I have been looking around people are talking about the universe expanding. By geometry we are able to figure out that the universe is infinite. The question is, if the universe is infinite than how can be expanding?
 
Space news on Phys.org
Ben.meyer said:
I have been looking around people are talking about the universe expanding. By geometry we are able to figure out that the universe is infinite. The question is, if the universe is infinite than how can be expanding?

No, we are NOT able to calculate that the universe is infinite. It MIGHT be, or it might not be.

Regardless, if it IS infinite, then continued expansion is not a problem.

You should read up on the concept of infinity.
 
Imagine I have a set 1,2,3,4,5,6,...

Then some later time that set has now 2,4,6,8,10,12,...

Both sets are infinite, but in some sense that set has expanded.
 
Thanks, that definitely gave me a better understanding.
 

Similar threads

High School How can an infinite universe expand?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
High School Does an infinite universe contradict a Big Bang origin?
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
8K
High School Conflict between the conservation of matter and the rapid expansion of our universe
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Undergrad Particle production in an expanding universe?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad What if the Universe expands faster than the speed of light?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
High School Do Atoms Expand with the Universe?
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
7K
High School What Would You See at the Edge of the Expanding Universe?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad 3 questions about a paper on density fluctuations in the Universe
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Evolution of radio sources mimics a non-expanding universe
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Big Bang and Infinite Universe
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K