Question

In this question, read the given argument or statement carefully, making any factual assumptions necessary. Then choose the best answer out of the four choices to the question asked. Note that not all the facts given will be relevant for determining the answer.

'The Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius proposed the following thought experiment. if the universe has a boundary, we can throw a spear at (his boundary. If the spear flies through, then it is not a boundary. If the spear bounces back, there must something beyond this boundary that is itself in space, which means it is not a boundary at all. Either way, it turns out that the universe has no boundary.'

How best can the form of Lucretius' argument for the infinity of space be described?

पर्याय

• Luuetius shows that positing finite space leads to a contradiction

• Lucretius shows that finite space is inconsistent with physics.

• Lucretius shows that finite space is inconsistent with mathematics.

• Lucretius shows that finite space is inconceivable

Answer 1

Luuetius shows that positing finite space leads to a contradiction

Explanation:

'Lucretius shows that positing finite space leads to a contradiction.' is correct as it states that Lucretius showed that believing the space to be finite leads to a contradiction. This is to say that his thought experiment wherein he posited the space to be finite leads to contradictory results. Hence, 'Lucretius shows that positing finite space leads to a contradiction.' is correct.