Q&A: Achilles and the Tortoise
Achilles and the Tortoise
Question
Hello Rabbi,
The paradox of Achilles and the tortoise assumes that the world is continuous [infinite]. But today it is clear to us that the world is atomistic [the smallest part is the quark]. If so, then clearly the paradox is not valid today, right?.
Thank you.
Answer
But space is continuous. In any case, this paradox does not exist (because it is a finite sum of an infinite series), so there is no need to look for excuses.
Discussion on Answer
I didn’t understand. Did I retract the claim that there is motion in the world? Where? Are you referring to what I wrote here?
An infinite series is an infinite series. If infinity does not exist, then the paradox does not exist either. Practically speaking, the description of the race in the formulation of the paradox describes only the first second and a bit of the race (except that it divides that segment into infinitely many parts). Your attitude toward that infinity is not relevant.
I meant what you wrote at the time about perfection and self-perfection, that there is a difference between many local changes and the general concept of motion.
I don’t understand. If you are referring to something, bring it and formulate your question clearly.
As I recall, the Rabbi wanted to argue that there is a concept of motion. Did he retract that?
An infinite series is only a limit; it is not really like that.