Infinity
Different words for infinity across philosophical traditions include the Greek apeiron (unbounded), Sanskrit ananta (endless) and Brahman (ultimate reality), and various Latin-derived English terms like perpetuity, eternity, and boundlessness. These terms are used to describe concepts from the boundless nature of the universe and the divine to the infinite sets in mathematics, and they can be distinguished as potential vs. actual infinity.
Ancient Greek
- Apeiron: Coined by Anaximander, meaning “unbounded,” “indefinite,” or “infinite.” It refers to an infinite, inexhaustible source of all things.
- Potential infinity: A concept used by Aristotle, referring to something that could be added to indefinitely, without ever reaching a final, complete state. This was considered possible.
- Actual infinity: Aristotle argued this was impossible, as it would produce paradoxes. This view contrasted with modern acceptance of actual infinity in mathematics.
Indian Traditions (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism)
- Ananta: A Sanskrit term meaning “endless,” used to describe boundlessness in Jainism and Hinduism.
- Brahman: In Vedanta, the ultimate reality or universal spirit, which is considered infinite, timeless, and boundless.
- Khahara: An early term for infinity given by the 12th-century mathematician Bhaskara II.
- Innumerable Meanings: Used in Buddhism, often referring to the true nature of all things, which is infinite in scope.
Latin and English
- Infinitas: Latin, meaning “no end” or “no boundary,” from which the English word “infinite” is derived.
- Perpetuity, eternity, endlessness: Terms used to describe endless duration, often applied to concepts like time or existence.
- Boundlessness, limitlessness: Synonyms for infinity, emphasizing the lack of any physical or conceptual boundaries.
- Unbounded: A direct translation of the Greek apeiron and a common way to describe infinity’s lack of limits.
- Omnipresent, omnipotent: Terms used to describe God as being infinite in presence and power.
Modern Philosophy and Mathematics
- Transfinite numbers: Georg Cantor introduced this concept to describe the different “sizes” of infinity in his set theory.
- Absolute: Cantor used this term to refer to the infinity of God, distinguishing it from the infinity of nature and mathematics.
AI responses may include mistakes.
[2] wikipedia/en/Actual_and_potential_infinity
[3] https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/infinite
[4] https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-philosophical-significance-of-infinity-in-Sanatana-Dharma
[5] https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infinity
[6] https://jecs.pl/index.php/jecs/article/view/555/396
[7] https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2022/entries/infinity/
[8] https://iep.utm.edu/infinite/
[9] wikipedia/en/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81
[10] wikipedia/en/Innumerable_Meanings_Sutra
[11] https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/infinity
[12] https://prachyam.org/post/concept-of-infinity-in-hindu-framework
[13] https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-Mathematical-Philosophical-or-Religious-description-of-Infinity
[14] https://interfaith.wisc.edu/2022/10/28/judaism-and-the-infinite-savannah-lipinski/