The Paradox

Ive discovered a paradox!

I call it: "PARADOX OF THE INFINITE"!

*dramatic music!*

*moves to edge of seat*

...dropped some popcorn?

lol.

OH!

Okay I'm supposed to keep on going.

Yes well.

See, anything having the characteristic of being infinite provides a vastness, an expanse.

Right?

Yes

And that is exactly where the paradox comes in! Because being infinite in nature, it is actually putting a limitation/restriction.

As you will never reach its extent, you will always be confined. The objective of perfection or being complete would never be achieved.

Ah but you see, the 'confine' is something that only exists for the observer.

Anything that is infinite, is limitless and can't be confined.

And since it is infinite, it can't be wholly observed and hence can't be proved.

Exactly, thats the paradox. In all its limitlessness, its limiting.

It is limiting, but not limited itself.

So it's not a paradox.

I don't get why its not a paradox if its contradictory.

Because it is NOT contradictory.

It is limitless, which is an internal characteristic i.e. an intrinsic property.

And it is limiting, which is an external characteristic. Extrinsic.

It is limiting BECAUSE it is limitless.

Okay. How about that the outward characteristic of anything being infinite gives freedom/opportunity.

That makes both extrinsic properties contradict each other.

There is no definition to what the implications of an external characteristic of infiniteness should be.

Just conditioned expectations

"3. An assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises. 4. A statement contrary to received opinion."

A paradox can be defined as the above.

Since it states opinion and expectations as one of the essence of a paradox. Infinity can be referred to as a paradox along perceived lines.

That's such a liberal definition of a paradox.

Smarter child does not give his own definition, it merely quotes (from the American Heritage® Dictionary).

"Paradox Par`a*dox, n.; pl. Paradoxes. [F. paradoxe, L.
paradoxum, fr. Gr. ?; ? beside, beyond, contrary to + ? to
think, suppose, imagine. See Para-, and Dogma.]
A tenet or proposition contrary to received opinion; an
assertion or sentiment seemingly contradictory, or opposed to
common sense; that which in appearance or terms is absurd,
but yet may be true in fact."

-- From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Websters says it's contrary to received opinion too.

In that case, it may be a paradox but it definitely isn't on stricter terms.

But for the common man, common terms would be enough.