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    An actually infinite series of contingent causes is not l... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→A chain of possible things cannot regress infinitely and must terminate in a being that is necessary in itself

    An actually infinite series of contingent causes is not logically contradictory, as Cantor's transfinite mathematics demonstrates infinite sets can be completed totalities.

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    1 reason for
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    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Cantor proved infinite sets are mathematically coherent completed totalities with well-defined cardinalities and ordering relations.
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    • 2.Logical contradiction requires violating the law of non-contradiction; infinite causation violates no formal logical laws.
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    • 3.Mathematical infinity existing in abstract reality suggests metaphysical infinity in causal chains is not inherently incoherent.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
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    • 1.Mathematical sets differ fundamentally from physical causation; abstract completeness doesn't transfer to temporal causal sequences.
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    • 2.An infinite series requires each member to depend on a prior cause, creating an explanatory regress that never reaches a ground.
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    • 3.Actual infinity in mathematics assumes external completion (by human minds/set theory axioms), unavailable for autonomous causal chains.
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    Natural Theology1 linkedDivine Attributes1 linked

    Related

    A chain of possible things cannot regress infinitely and must terminate in a bei...Actual infinity in mathematics assumes external completion (by human minds/set t...An infinite series requires each member to depend on a prior cause, creating an ...Cantor proved infinite sets are mathematically coherent completed totalities wit...
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    Logical contradiction requires violating the law of non-contradiction; infinite ...Mathematical infinity existing in abstract reality suggests metaphysical infinit...Mathematical sets differ fundamentally from physical causation; abstract complet...

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    2 (1 for, 1 against)
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