Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that The cosmos is spatially unbounded (and thus infinite).

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
    ?
    • 1.A finite space can be unbounded (without an edge) if it has non-Euclidean positive curvature, as in Riemannian geometry.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.The argument's premise that a boundary entails something 'beyond' presupposes Euclidean space, which is not a logical necessity.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Therefore, the inference from 'no boundary' to 'spatially infinite' is invalid; finite yet boundless cosmologies are coherent.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reason for 2 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Aristotle argued that 'beyond the cosmos' is a category error: place and extension are defined only relative to existing matter.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.If spatial relations are constituted by the distribution of matter, then no coherent spatial 'beyond' exists for a hand or stick to occupy.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.The thought experiment thus smuggles in absolute Newtonian space, a metaphysical assumption that is itself contested.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.If the cosmos is bounded, then one could extend one's hand or a stick beyond its boundary.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Beyond that boundary, one would find either empty space or matter.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Either empty space or matter beyond the boundary would itself be part of the world.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.