Horizon Season 2010 Episode 5 To Infinity and Beyond
- February 10, 2010
To Infinity and Beyond is the fifth episode of the 2010 season of the popular Science Documentary show, Horizon. This episode explores the concept of infinity and how it has puzzled mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers for centuries.
The episode begins with a brief history of the idea of infinity and how it first emerged in ancient Greek and Indian philosophy. It then delves into the mathematical concept of infinity, which has been a hotly debated subject for centuries. The show features interviews with several renowned mathematicians who provide insights into the fascinating and often mind-bending world of infinity.
One of the key themes of the episode is how infinity is a concept that goes against our everyday understanding of the world around us. The show explores various paradoxes that arise when trying to make sense of infinity, such as Hilbert's Hotel, which presents a hotel with an infinite number of rooms that is always full, yet always has a vacancy.
The episode also examines the role of infinity in modern physics, particularly in the realm of String Theory, which attempts to reconcile the theory of General Relativity with Quantum Mechanics. String Theory posits that the universe may have more dimensions than the traditional four dimensions known to us, and that these extra dimensions may be infinite in extent.
Throughout the episode, the show highlights the beauty and mystery of the concept of infinity, which has captured the imaginations of countless thinkers throughout history. It provides a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most abstract and challenging ideas in mathematics and science.
To Infinity and Beyond is a fascinating and informative episode of Horizon that will engage viewers with an interest in mathematics, physics, and philosophy. It sheds light on the concept of infinity which is fundamental to our understanding of the universe, and provides insight into the ways that this concept challenges and enriches our understanding of reality.