07-31-2010, 11:43 AM
(07-31-2010, 10:41 AM)Ali Quadir Wrote: This whole thing is really just a matter of semantics. I don't think we're disagreeing in content. I use the dictionary word infinite which simply means it must in some way be unbounded. Infinite space means that there is an infinite amount of space. If it is curled up in a black hole the size of a pea it's still infinite space.
Unity chooses Ra's usage of the word which means it must in all way be unbounded. So the infinite is by definition all that is. As soon as something exists that is not part of that infinite, then the infinite according to unity stops being infinite.
I agree that there is no conflict. It's just semantics.
It also has to do with whether we are using the term as a noun or adjective. The dictionary definition actually agrees with Ra's definition. It just depends on how it's used.
–adjective
1.immeasurably great: an infinite capacity for forgiveness.
2.indefinitely or exceedingly great: infinite sums of money.
3.unlimited or unmeasurable in extent of space, duration of time, etc.: the infinite nature of outer space.
4.unbounded or unlimited; boundless; endless: God's infinite mercy.
5.Mathematics .
a.not finite.
b.(of a set) having elements that can be put into one-to-one correspondence with a subset that is not the given set.
–noun
6.something that is infinite.
7.Mathematics . an infinite quantity or magnitude.
8.the boundless regions of space.
9.the Infinite (Being), God.
The key here is that if the word is used to describe an aspect of something, as in an infinite line, then it's being used as an adjective and is therefore describing a distortion. Whereas Ra's definition is using the word as a noun, which agrees with dictionary.com's definition for the word being used as a noun.
It's really easy to ascertain which it is: If using the word infinite with a noun after it, then that's not Infinity. That's a distortion of Infinity.