Stepran's Infinity Puzzle

Essay # 102519

This paper discuses Stepran's infinity puzzle as an excellent method to explore the character of infinity relative to tangible outcomes.

1,625 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the solution to Stepran's infinity puzzle
is not so difficult and has nothing to do with infinity, although the calculus of this equation may in fact be infinite. The author underscores that the puzzle is not a puzzle at all and is not indicative of infinity but rather is purely an exercise in the limitations of physics. The paper agrees with Rucker's concept of infinity as simply a natural element of the universe or of being one of the basic functional elements of mathematical device. The author concludes that the useful concept of infinity is that it does naturally occupy points in both physical and mathematical space ,which truly cements it within the context of a tangible mathematical and physics principle rather than some far-off rationale construct created and identifiable only by mathematical theorists.

Table of Contents:
The Puzzle
The Solution
Response Page to Postings
Discussion

From the Paper:

"Stepran's states that a person is tasked with turning a light switch off and on starting with on at 2 minutes and then in increments by half of the time remaining flipping the switch to the opposite position. On the surface the outcome appears as if it will be a simple persuasion of the ineluctable quality of time; that, time is unavoidable and all things must come to an end. Yet, as one begins the calculations it becomes apparent that the half increments are, apparently, infinite starting with two in terms of seconds: 120, 60, 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75, 1.875, .93, .46, .23, .117, .058, .029, ad infinitum, at least to the extent that a common calculator is capable of dividing."

Sample of Sources Used:

Lakoff, G. and R. Nunez. "Infinity Embodied." Excerpts from Part III, Chapter 8 of Where Mathematics Comes From.
Rucker, R. "A Short History of Infinity." Excerpts from Chapter One of Infinity and the Mind.
Steprans, Juris. "Topic 6: Infinity."