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An [[infinite regression]] is a proposed chain of causation in which each purported cause itself requires another event of exactly the same type to cause ''it.''
An [[infinite regression]] is a proposed chain of causation in which each purported cause itself requires another event of exactly the same type to cause ''it.''
This raises the question of what set the original chain in motion--in short, what was the "first cause." Whether all things must have a "first cause" or not, is a subject of debate.
This raises the question of what set the original chain in motion--in short, what was the "first cause." Whether all things must have a "first cause" or not, is a subject of [[Is a first cause of a process necessary, always possible, or sometimes impossible?|debate]].
== An example ==
== An example ==
A more modern experiment requires a [[television]] camera and receiver. If one sends the signal from the camera to the receiver, and then ''aims the camera at the receiver,'' the receiver will show a picture of itself, holding a picture of itself, holding a picture of itself, holding a picture of itself, and so on to infinity.
A more modern experiment requires a [[television]] camera and receiver. If one sends the signal from the camera to the receiver, and then ''aims the camera at the receiver,'' the receiver will show a picture of itself, holding a picture of itself, holding a picture of itself, holding a picture of itself, and so on to infinity.
== Debate ==
== Debates ==
The subject of infinite regression--its validity, defensibility, and possible applicability to real-world situations--is being debated [[Is infinite regression ever valid as a form of reasoning, or acceptable as a way the universe works, or came to be?|here]].
The subject of infinite regression--its validity, defensibility, and possible applicability to real-world situations--is being debated [[Is infinite regression ever valid as a form of reasoning, or acceptable as a way the universe works, or came to be?|here]]. [[Is a first cause of a process necessary, always possible, or sometimes impossible?|Also being debated]] is the notion of a first cause, and whether or not it is always required.
== See also ==
== See also ==