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Taking physical infinity seriously

2016/08/22 by Don Perlis, Perlis, Don
Computer Science · Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Computability, Logic, AI Algorithms #FOS: Physical sciences #History and Philosophy of Physics (physics.hist-ph) #Mathematical and Theoretical Analysis #Quantum Mechanics and Applications

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1608.06878

openalex publication_date 2016/08/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

The concept of infinity took centuries to achieve recognized status in the field of mathematics, despite the fact that it was implicitly present in nearly all mathematical endeavors. Here I explore the idea that a similar development might be warranted in physics. Several threads will be speculatively examined, including some involving nonstandard analysis. While there are intriguing possibilities, there also are noteworthy difficulties.

Citations

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