From: John K Clark (johnkc@well.com)
Date: Mon Sep 02 1996 - 14:57:21 MDT
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Ira Brodsky ibrodsky@ix11.ix.netcom.com On Sept 1 1996 wrote:
>the Big Bang (if true) means either that the universe
>will continue expanding until thermal density (?) goes to
>zero, or it will recollapse.
That's true. If the Big Bang is correct then one day we must see either
infinite expansion, thermal equilibrium, and the heat death of the universe,
OR, infinite temperature, infinite density, and the collapse of the universe.
The only way to decide which of these events will happen is through experiment,
Philosophy can't help us here.
Tipler argues, correctly I think, that IF true immortality is possible, and
not just living an astronomically long time, THEN the universe must
re-collapse. Immortality is defined as the ability to have an infinite number
of thoughts. If the universe collapses in the way Tipler describes then the
amount of usable energy available to life will keep increasing without limit.
Also, because the universe would be shrinking, the components of a mind would
keep getting closer together, and so would keep getting faster, and keep doing
so without limit. Time may come to an end someday but it doesn't matter
because subjectively it will ALWAYS be infinitely ( and not just very large)
far away.
John K Clark johnkc@well.com
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