On the theory of the infinite in modern thought : $b Two introductory studiesJourdain, Eleanor F. (Eleanor Frances)
Philosophy
On the theory of the infinite in modern thought : $b Two introductory studies
Jourdain, Eleanor F. (Eleanor Frances)
Infinite; Knowledge, Theory of; Pragmatism
And there is a reason which explains why the same problem tends
to appear in these different ways. Both time and space can be
most correctly thought of as _series_: the former known to us as
possessing one direction, though possibly involving more, and the
latter three, though possibly involving more. Time is not a thing nor
a condition, but it is the way in which we are enabled to apprehend
the relations of actions to one another. The assumption of the
Pragmatist, that a different date in history is a new condition which
might affect a chemical experiment, is meaningless, unless by that he
intends to say that at the different date new conditions prevailed.
The general conclusion of recent thought is then to establish
the Idealist position more strongly by an appeal to mathematical
argument. This argument is strengthened by finding at the present
time some support in scientific fact and experiment. The Idealist
therefore appeals to fact, and his position rests ultimately on a
truth which has its aspects of conformity with scientific experiment
and with logical or mathematical proof.
FOOTNOTES:
[15] This word is used here in the most general and
inclusive sense as applying to all thinkers who accept
the reality of relations as part of a higher Unity.
[16] “A Pluralistic Universe,” p. 99.
[17] Taylor, “Elements of Metaphysics,” p. 312.
[18] _Ibid._, p. 350.
[19] A succession of what is disconnected is not
change. Change is a succession within an identity:
if not within the identity, there is no change, only
analysis and re-grouping. The closer our knowledge is
of ourselves or anything else, the more we see that
_change is the expression in time of an identity_.
[20] Illingworth, “The Doctrine of the Trinity,” p. 6.
[21] Ormond, “Foundations of Knowledge,” p. 19.
[22] 1908-10.
[23] James, “A Pluralistic Universe,” p. 80.
[24] “A Pluralistic Universe,” p. 230.
[25] See A. T. Cameron, “Radio-Chemistry,” p. 17: “The
curves illustrate two further points. They approach
constant value towards the end of a month, but it is
seen that they reach a final value only at infinite
time. This property is common to all such curves; it
illustrates the fact that the _life_ of a radio-active
element is infinite.” It is explained in the same book
(p. 31) that “infinity is only a relative term; in
this connection it only means a longer time than we
can measure.”
[26] His theology is not so good as his mathematics;
he seems to think that in the Creed we assert our
belief in the Incomprehensible, in the sense of
that which is “not capable of being seized by the
mind,” instead of in that which is “untrammelled by
limitations.” The word is _immensus_, best translated
infinite.
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