Achilles and The Tortoise Paradox in Jujutsu Kaisen
In the latest episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, titled “Achilles and The Tortoise Paradox,” Satoru Gojo references this philosophical paradox while utilizing his Infinity technique. Engaged in the mission to safeguard and accompany Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel, Gojo encounters a bounty hunter. In this encounter, he showcases his formidable abilities and provides an explanation for their mechanics.
The episode progresses with Gojo and Geto meeting Riko Amanai and Misato Kuroi, whereupon the two sorcerers decide to assist Riko in fulfilling her desires before she is subjected to assimilation. However, complications arise when the Star Religious Group offers a bounty for Riko, attracting attackers to their location.
Jujutsu Kaisen: What are the Achilles and the Tortoise paradox?
During Satoru Gojo’s journey with Riko Amanai to Jujutsu High, their path is obstructed by a bounty hunter intent on capturing Riko. The bounty hunter employs clones of himself to launch attacks at Gojo. However, thanks to his Infinity ability, none of the attacks manage to hit Gojo, as his power prevents any incoming strikes from reaching him.
When the baffled attacker questions Gojo about his extraordinary abilities, Gojo proceeds to explain that his Infinity ability is based on the concept known as the Achilles and the Tortoise Paradox. This paradox was originally formulated by Zeno of Elea to illustrate his Infinite Halfway Theory.
According to this theory, when an object moves from point A to point B, there will always be a halfway point between the two. As the object reaches this halfway point, a new halfway point is formed, with the previous halfway point becoming the new point A. This process continues infinitely, generating an infinite number of halfway points between the new point A and point B.
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The Achilles and the Tortoise Paradox theory in Jujutsu Kaisen
The Achilles and the Tortoise paradox serves as an example to elucidate this theory. In the paradox, Achilles engages in a footrace with a tortoise. However, the tortoise is granted a head start, allowing it to cover a certain distance. According to the paradox, even if Achilles were to run faster than the tortoise, he would theoretically never be able to surpass it.
This is because, at any given moment, Achilles would reach a position that the tortoise has already passed. However, by the time Achilles arrives at that point, the tortoise would have advanced even further. As per the Achilles and the Tortoise paradox, this process can continue indefinitely, causing Achilles to perpetually trail behind the tortoise.
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In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, this same paradox is applied to Gojo’s Infinity ability, which prevents his opponents from reaching him. While onlookers may perceive it as Gojo effortlessly stopping his adversaries’ attacks, in reality, his ability allows him to slow down the passage of events, giving him apparent invincibility.
When an individual or object endeavors to strike Gojo, they unknowingly encounter the barrier of Infinity that exists between him and themselves. Consequently, upon making contact with Infinity, they become trapped within its confines. However, due to the convergence of an infinite series, the person or object is unable to ever reach Gojo, as new spaces continue to emerge between them in an endless progression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of the Achilles and the Tortoise paradox takes center stage in Jujutsu Kaisen, offering a thought-provoking exploration of time and motion within the series. This article delves into the philosophical implications of the paradox and how it relates to the characters and storyline of Jujutsu Kaisen. By examining this intriguing paradox, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex themes and narrative layers present in the series.
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