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Zeno's paradox: Difference between revisions
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The Greeks term the atom as the indivisible unit of the universe, nothing was thought to be small. However, is there a definitive point? If you get a ruler and measure 10cm. 10cm is 100mm, 100mm is 100,000 micrometres, this is 100,000,000 nanometers which is 10<sup>x22</sup> molecules, one molecule consists of numerous atoms, atoms consist of quarks. Its like peeling the layers of an onion trying to reveal its core, trying to get to the smallest constituent so that you know how the world is built like lego. Bit size pieces, measured and counted by science. But what if there is no definitive point? What if you look so small you cannot find that objective point by which to measure everything else with. | The Greeks term the atom as the indivisible unit of the universe, nothing was thought to be small. However, is there a definitive point? If you get a ruler and measure 10cm. 10cm is 100mm, 100mm is 100,000 micrometres, this is 100,000,000 nanometers which is 10<sup>x22</sup> molecules, one molecule consists of numerous atoms, atoms consist of quarks. Its like peeling the layers of an onion trying to reveal its core, trying to get to the smallest constituent so that you know how the world is built like lego. Bit size pieces, measured and counted by science. But what if there is no definitive point? What if you look so small you cannot find that objective point by which to measure everything else with. | ||
The original goes something like this:<blockquote>The Tortoise challenged Achilles to a race, claiming that he would win as long as Achilles gave him a small head start. Achilles laughed at this, for of course he was a mighty warrior and swift of foot, whereas the Tortoise was heavy and slow. | The original fable goes something like this:<blockquote>The Tortoise challenged Achilles to a race, claiming that he would win as long as Achilles gave him a small head start. Achilles laughed at this, for of course he was a mighty warrior and swift of foot, whereas the Tortoise was heavy and slow. | ||
“How big a head start do you need?” he asked the Tortoise with a smile. | “How big a head start do you need?” he asked the Tortoise with a smile. | ||