infinite regress

noun

Philosophy.

1. causal or logical relationship of terms in a series without the possibility of a term initiating the series.

Word History and Origins

Origin of infinite regress¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Yet Alanis is far from dumb, and a case-by-case nitpicking of the lines is as micro as Socrates playing devil’s advocate in response to every little thing his students say, while the song is operating at a macro or meta level more akin to Aristotle’s notion of infinite regress.

From Salon

His “Infinite Regress” paintings, however, are Ore-Giron’s best-known works.

From Los Angeles Times

“People love ‘Infinite Regress,’ they are gorgeous works,” says MCA curator Miranda Lash, who organized the artist’s solo show.

From Los Angeles Times

Look closely and this is some of what materializes in “Infinite Regress,” a series of paintings by Los Angeles artist Eamon Ore-Giron, on view through late May at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.

From Los Angeles Times

A motif of rectangles that evokes Josef Albers’s “Homage to the Square” suggests infinite regress.

From New York Times