infinite regression
Turtles all down
Infinite regression is a sequence where each element depends on or leads to another of the same kind, continuing without end.
If every event requires a prior cause, what caused the first cause?
The concept appears in philosophy, logic, and mathematics to identify arguments that fail to reach a foundation: The theory leads to an infinite regression of explanations.
- turtles all the way downUnending chain of causes
- loopCurve closing on itself
- paradoxSeemingly absurd truth
- turtlesShell-backed reptiles
- recursionProcess invoking itself
bottomless · endless · spiral · descent · abyss · slippery slope · causation · buck passing · chain · origin · foundation · groundless · house of cards · circular · vicious · chicken and egg · bootstrap · self-reference
infinite regressionfirst cause
Initial triggering factor
prime mover · unmoved mover · terminus · foundationalism · stopping point
infinite regressionclosed loop
System with continuous feedback
circular reasoning · virtuous circle · self-justification · bootstrapping · mutual support
infinite, regression, infinity, infinitely, infinitude, finite, finitely, finitude, indefinite