The infinite cannot, by
definition, be defined. Our common sense notion of “the infinite,” after all,
is that which is unbounded.[1]
Paradoxically, this notion is a definition that seeks to contain or encapsulate
that which by definition cannot be encapsulated. Oddly, we understand what we
are talking about when we use the term, “the infinite.” Yet, in speaking of it,
or in defining it, we annihilate our understanding of it by attempting to
encapsulate it. Perhaps the best we can do when speaking about the infinite is
follow Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein’s lead, “whereof one cannot
speak, thereof one must be silent.” Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.[2]
[1] It
is important to note that the term “the infinite,” uses the definite article,
“the” since only one thing could possibly be totally and completely unbounded.
If two things were unbounded they would be totally inclusive of each other
thereby being the same entity.
[2] I
appreciate the recent conversations I’ve had with a close friend which has
brought Wittgenstein and a few of his teachings to my awareness.
To start, I think there are many definitions for 'the infinite.' Some are the standard mathematical concept, which you correctly put out there that we cannot fully grasp. We can graph it, write it, and add it to a formula, but we cannot understand it.
ReplyDeleteAs for other definitions, in assuming spiritual context and synonyms, we do understand much about the infinite.
D&C 19 explains the infinite in a way most Christians - and for that matter, anybody- really understands. Especially verses 8-12.
Elder McKonkie talked about the scriptural phrase 'everlasting to everlasting' and its description of a pre-mortality to post-mortality. Meaning 'time' in an infinite sphere as opposed to a mortal one. Again, we don't understand how time is related to this concept, but we know it's not the way we understand it in this mortal sphere. But we do recognize a difference.
I've often pondered our inability to understand the infinite, and I have a theory why it's out of our grasp. We know we're sent to this sphere to gain knowledge. To that end, Father has placed things here to teach us what we need to learn, including eternal concepts. To teach us of God's love for his children, he allows us to have children. For us to learn the joy of creation, he gives us opportunities for us to build. To teach us opposition, he gives us pain. This existence, by design, is finite. Even when illustrating the ring, (the most common symbol used for eternity, we start looking at the circle at one point, and end at another.
It's fun to think about though :)