A Logical Refutation of Infinite Space: A Novel Perspective on the Nature of the Universe

Abstract:

This paper explores a thought experiment challenging the concept of an infinite universe. While much of cosmology assumes that space may be infinite, this interpretation has implications that appear paradoxical. If space were truly infinite, matter configurations identical to our own, down to the atomic arrangement and conscious experience, would inevitably recur in infinite numbers. This logical approach argues that infinite space, if it leads to an inevitable recurrence of identical conscious selves, must instead be finite, as no observable phenomenon supports the simultaneous, unified consciousness across these hypothetical selves. Here, we use a novel logical pattern to show that infinite space would lead to paradoxes in identity, perception, and consciousness, making the concept implausible.

Introduction

Background: Infinite Space and Recurrence

Logical Foundation of the Thought Experiment

 This paper examines an assumption often overlooked: if identical versions of a person exist in infinite space, these versions are not merely replicas but constitute the exact individual by virtue of being identical in all respects. This assumption challenges our typical understanding of identity in an infinite universe.

To explore this, let us consider the implications:

 If space were truly infinite, then identical configurations of matter leading to conscious beings must exist without limit.

In an infinite universe, exact versions of an individual, with the same atomic structure and conscious experience, would exist not only as similar beings but as the very same "self."

Such a reality suggests that consciousness, if identical across all these selves, would somehow be unified, which contradicts the observed singularity of personal experience. 

The Observation Paradox: A Challenge to Infinite Space :

 The concept of an infinite universe necessitates that each individual would be surrounded by identical versions of themselves, existing in identical forms with identical consciousness. This poses a paradox: if infinite versions of "self" exist, there would logically be no barrier to perceiving oneself in other identical existences. Yet, human experience confirms a singular, isolated perspective without access to any other "selves."

This lack of perception challenges the infinite space hypothesis. The absence of any such unified awareness among "identical" consciousness suggests that infinite space, leading to inevitable and identical recurrences, does not occur in reality. Therefore, if infinite space leads to a paradox in consciousness that contradicts observable reality, this implies that the assumption of infinite space may be flawed.

Reconciling Infinity with Finiteness

 The observed paradox in conscious experience and identical recurrence leads to two possible conclusions:

• Finite Universe Hypothesis: Space may be finite, limiting the possibility of identical recurrences, thus preventing the paradox of unified consciousness.

• Existence of Boundaries or Constraints in Infinite Space: Alternatively, if space is infinite, it may operate under principles that limit the duplication of conscious experiences or restrict the recurrence of identical selves. 

By the first hypothesis, the universe may have a finite extension in space, preserving the uniqueness of conscious experience. This preserves the observation that each individual consciousness remains singular and isolated, an experience incompatible with infinite identical consciousnesses coexisting in an infinite universe. 

Discussion

This paper's argument rests on logical reasoning rather than empirical data, yet the paradox it exposes serves as a potential indication of finiteness in space. If infinite space leads to logical contradictions in identity and consciousness, a finite universe may be more compatible with observed reality. Additionally, if our universe were structured under principles that inherently prevent identical conscious configurations from recurring infinitely, this would further support the concept of a bounded space.

Conclusion :

This thought experiment challenges the assumption of infinite space by exposing a paradox of identical conscious experience. If the universe were infinite, identical configurations of conscious beings would inevitably occur, leading to a logical contradiction in personal identity and experience. Since our experience does not include simultaneous awareness across identical versions of ourselves, this implies either that space is finite or that the structure of space prevents infinite recurrence of conscious entities. The conclusion here suggests that a finite model of the universe may be a more coherent alternative, avoiding the paradoxes posed by infinite space and maintaining consistency with observed conscious experience.

Acknowledgments:

I extend my gratitude to the ongoing discussions in cosmology, philosophy, and consciousness studies that provide a foundation for exploring the nature of infinity and identity.