Breakdown of Predictability: An Investigation on the Nature of Singularities

摘要

When relations are extrapolated beyond their premises of discovery, the operation sometimes results in an undefined object, i.e., one which cannot be identified within the given structure. The thesis is put forth that the occurrence of singularities is due to ''incompleteness'' in knowledge. An intuitive answer on how to deal with singularities (in, for instance, the real number system, space-time, quantum field theory) is presented first. Then a quasi-formalistic approach, e.g. non-standard models in higher-order languages and Lawvere's axiomatic formulation of categories, is set out. The independence of singularity with respect to other primitive notions of the Universe of knowledge is noted. (Atomindex citation 14:721198)