A discrete solution for the paradox of Achilles and the tortoise

Synthese 192 (9):2843-2861 (2015)
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Abstract

In this paper, I present a discrete solution for the paradox of Achilles and the tortoise. I argue that Achilles overtakes the tortoise after a finite number of steps of Zeno’s argument if time is represented as discrete. I then answer two objections that could be made against this solution. First, I argue that the discrete solution is not an ad hoc solution. It is embedded in a discrete formulation of classical mechanics. Second, I show that the discrete solution cannot be falsified experimentally

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Vincent Ardourel
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Citations of this work

Exterminous Hypertime.Nikk Effingham - 2021 - Philosophies 6 (4):85.
Time Does Not Pass if Time Began from an Infinite Past.Kunihisa Morita - 2022 - Kriterion – Journal of Philosophy 36 (3-4):291-302.

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References found in this work

The Principles of Mathematics.Bertrand Russell - 1903 - Revue de Métaphysique et de Morale 11 (4):11-12.
The Concept of Nature: Tarner Lectures.Alfred North Whitehead - 1920 - Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books.
Process and Reality.Arthur E. Murphy - 1931 - Humana Mente 6 (21):102-106.
The structure of time.W. Newton-Smith - 1980 - Boston: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

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