Philosophy Discussion Forums

Obvious Leo wrote:

Physical reality must always be constrained by the philosophy of the quantum and thus cannot be infinitely divisible, a well-established truth bequeathed to us by the dead Greeks.

I wish I could thoroughly believe this . I remember Zeno's athlete who never finished the race because he finished half the course then half of the half then half of that half and so on infinitum. But he did actually complete the course and then drank a pint of bottled water which he finished too. Is a quantum a whole number ? If so what is the status of a fraction of a whole if it is not a quantum? Is it true to say that reality has no place for fractions but they, like infinity, are mathematical devices?

If true is it also true to say that other mathematical devices such as percentages, or triangles, are abstractions from physical reality?

I'm just on my way out the door for the airport, Belinda. I'll be away for a few days but will try and tackle your subtle question on my return. Mathematical philosophy manages to be both simple and carefully nuanced at the same time.

Regards Leo