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Zeno’s arrow paradox appears to show that motion is impossible.

It works by taking a snapshot of the arrow at a point (in either space or time) in its flight. At that point, and at every other, the arrow is motionless. If there is no point, spatially or temporally, at which the arrow is moving, though, then the arrow is not moving. Motion, then, is impossible.

Let’s put it this way:

Consider an arrow at any point in its flight; it is motionless. Motion occurs through space, not at one point in space, and so at each point the arrow is still.

The same is true of the arrow considered at any moment in its flight. Motion takes time, it doesn’t occur at a specific point in time, and so at each moment the arrow is still.

If at every point, and at every moment, the arrow is still, though, then how is it possible for it to move from the bow to its target? It isn’t; motion is impossible.

God
Chris Ray Gun is still cool
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How long is moment?

Motion is movement through space AND time. Therefore it requires two pieces of space and two pieces of time. Therefore at any instant or at any space you cannot have motion, because motion requires two pieces of space and time. Therefore actions of a single piece do not apply. Therefore your paradox is invalid.

...That was simple.

Breakman
Shlorpian in disguise
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Very interesting X. It reminds me of how cartoons are made... Sorry, can\'t really explain it though...

But this paradox only works on inanimate objects, right?

AimMan v2.5
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Like God said, I guess it depends on your definition of motion. Or, I think that\'s sorta what she said. Anyways, I\'m thinking very simply here, but don\'t we have to factor in that there was a force to act upon the arrow in order to set it into motion, I mean, considering Newton\'s laws of motion? Therefore, a rock, or a computer speaker, or any number of other very simple inanimate objects could be an arrow if the correct force acted upon them, right? So really, it\'s probably more important to consider the aspects of the bow/launcher/etc. which is projecting the arrow, as it plays a larger role in providing motion.

Agh, I don\'t really understand this one. Sorry.:P


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