Zeno's paradoxes of motion in physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Zeno's paradoxes of motion, specifically questioning the implications of these paradoxes on the nature of motion in physics. Participants explore whether Zeno's arguments hold validity and how they relate to concepts such as instantaneous velocity and mathematical limits.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of Zeno's paradoxes, suggesting that if they were true, motion would be impossible, which they argue is not the case.
  • Others assert that motion is indeed possible, citing everyday experiences as evidence against Zeno's claims.
  • A participant proposes that the concept of instantaneous velocity addresses the issues raised by Zeno's paradoxes, challenging the assumption that measuring velocity at an instant results in zero velocity.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that Zeno's paradoxes are not true paradoxes but rather mathematical constructs that can be resolved through the development of limits in mathematics.
  • One participant emphasizes that the original premise of the discussion is flawed, leading to a conclusion that the thread should be closed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the validity of Zeno's paradoxes, with some asserting they are not true while others engage with the implications of the paradoxes as if they were valid. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the acceptance of Zeno's arguments.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on the assumption that Zeno's paradoxes are valid for the sake of argument, as well as the varying interpretations of instantaneous velocity and its implications for motion.

Johnny5454
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if zeno's paradoxes are true and motion is impossible, then how does an electron reach the electrostatic field of another electron?
 
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Johnny5454 said:
if zeno's paradoxes are true and motion is impossible

Motion is possible. Your fingers moved as you typed your message, did they not?
 
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Johnny5454 said:
if zeno's paradoxes are true and motion is impossible
False premise. That was easy...

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Yeah. I'm not sure what the problem is here. They aren't true.

I believe it was the invention/discovery of instantaneous velocity that solved them.

His paradoxen are based on the assumption that, if one measures the velocity of an object at an instant in time (i.e. duration = zero), one must get velocity of zero. Not true.
 
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None of the Zeno's paradox is in fact a paradox. He simply created infinite series from simple situations, but the mathematics about limits was evolved enough to solve the problems he had created.
 
Johnny5454 said:
if zeno's paradoxes are true

As several posters have already remarked, they aren't.

Since the OP question is based on a mistaken premise, this thread is closed.
 

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