Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity

This book is an exploration of philosophical questions about infinity. Graham Oppy examines how the infinite lurks everywhere, both in science and in our ordinary thoughts about the world. He also analyses the many puzzles and paradoxes that follow in the train of the infinite. Even simple notions, such as counting, adding and maximising present serious difficulties. Other topics examined include the nature of space and time, infinities in physical science, infinities in theories of probability and decision, the nature of part/whole relations, mathematical theories of the infinite, and infinite regression and principles of sufficient reason. This Book Is An Exploration Of Philosophical Questions About Infinity. Graham Oppy Examines How The Infinite Lurks Everywhere, Both In Science And In Our Ordinary Thoughts About The World. He Also Analyzes The Many Puzzles And Paradoxes That Follow In The Train Of The Infinite. Even Simple Notions, Such As Counting, Adding, And Maximizing, Present Serious Difficulties. Other Topics Examined Include The Nature Of Space And Time, Infinities In Physical Science, Infinities In Theories Of Probability And Decision, The Nature Of Part/whole Relations, Mathematical Theories Of The Infinite, And Infinite Regression And Principles Of Sufficient Reason.--book Jacket. 1. Beginnings And Puzzles -- 2. Mathematical Preliminaries -- 3. Some Cases Discussed -- 4. Space, Time, And Spacetime -- 5. Physical Infinities -- 6. Probability And Decision Theory -- 7. Mereology -- 8. Some Philosophical Considerations -- 9. Infinite Regress And Sufficient Reason. Graham Oppy. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 297-309) And Index. Exploring philosophical questions about infinity, Graham Oppy examines how the infinite lurks everywhere, both in science and in our ordinary thoughts about the world. He also analyzes the many puzzles and paradoxes that follow in the train of the infinite, addressing such simple notions as counting, adding, and maximizing present serious difficulties. Other topics examined include the nature of space and time, infinities in physical science, infinities in theories of probability and decision, the nature of part/whole relations, mathematical theories of the infinite, and infinite regression and principles of sufficient reason. 'Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity is a very good book and I am pleased to recommend it.' Times Literary Supplement