2. Aristotle’s Rapprochement

Adrian Moore explores the idea of infinity through history.

An episode of the A History of the Infinite podcast, hosted by BBC Radio 4, titled "2. Aristotle’s Rapprochement" was published on September 20, 2016 and runs 13 minutes.

September 20, 2016 ·13m · A History of the Infinite

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Summary

Adrian Moore continues his journey through philosophical thought on infinity over the last two and a half thousand years.He introduces us to the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who attempted a reconciliation between the idea of things going on for ever and ever and the Greeks’ abhorrence of the very notion.We hear how he came up with the idea of two different types of infinite - the potential and the actual - and how it was the potential infinite that he presented as the acceptable face of infinity.With the help of Ursula Coope, Professor of Ancient Philosophy at Oxford University, Adrian explains the idea of infinite divisibility and re-visits the paradoxes of Zeno which suggest that motion isn’t possible. He carries out his own experiment to see whether using Aristotle’s theory of the infinite he can disprove Zeno’s conclusions and actually get himself home. And he reveals how Aristotle’s theory of the infinite held sway for thousands of years, despite the challenges to it.Producer: Philippa GoodrichA Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.

Episode Description

Adrian Moore continues his journey through philosophical thought on infinity over the last two and a half thousand years.

He introduces us to the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who attempted a reconciliation between the idea of things going on for ever and ever and the Greeks’ abhorrence of the very notion.

We hear how he came up with the idea of two different types of infinite - the potential and the actual - and how it was the potential infinite that he presented as the acceptable face of infinity.

With the help of Ursula Coope, Professor of Ancient Philosophy at Oxford University, Adrian explains the idea of infinite divisibility and re-visits the paradoxes of Zeno which suggest that motion isn’t possible.

He carries out his own experiment to see whether using Aristotle’s theory of the infinite he can disprove Zeno’s conclusions and actually get himself home.

And he reveals how Aristotle’s theory of the infinite held sway for thousands of years, despite the challenges to it.

Producer: Philippa Goodrich

A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.