An open letter to the closed minds

  • Thread starter Thread starter serali
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Closed
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the validity of the Big Bang Theory (BBT) and related cosmological concepts such as dark matter and dark energy. Participants explore various models and hypotheses, questioning the assumptions and evidence supporting BBT while considering alternative theories.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the Big Bang Theory, suggesting that while there is substantial evidence, it may not be as conclusive as often presented.
  • Others argue that inflation and dark matter have considerable observational support, with inflation being a precursor to BBT and dark matter refining the model based on galactic observations.
  • A participant challenges the definition of inflation, distinguishing it from general expansion and highlighting the lack of laboratory demonstration for certain theoretical constructs.
  • Concerns are raised about the nature of dark energy, with some suggesting it is a poorly understood concept that has been adjusted to fit new observations.
  • The freely coasting model is proposed as an alternative that could explain certain phenomena without invoking dark matter or dark energy, suggesting it may provide a more straightforward understanding of cosmic observations.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of alternative models on the understanding of primordial metallicity and the density of matter in the universe.
  • Participants note the importance of continuing to investigate BBT and its predictions, emphasizing that no model should be considered beyond scrutiny.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the validity of BBT, dark matter, and dark energy, with no consensus reached. Some support the established models while others advocate for alternative theories, indicating an ongoing debate.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in current models, including unresolved questions about dark matter and dark energy, and the dependency on observational evidence that may not fully support existing theories.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in cosmology, theoretical physics, and the ongoing debates surrounding the Big Bang Theory and alternative models may find this discussion relevant.

do you agree with the statement?

  • y

    Votes: 4 40.0%

  • n

    Votes: 6 60.0%
  • Total voters
    10
  • #31
Chronos said:
Explain the cosmological model you think is more consistent.
May I humbly suggest SCC?

Garth
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #32
Garth said:
For example russ watters said, "In the letter, they go so far as to call support for the BBT dogmatic.
in fact the passage in the statement reads,
"So discordant data on red shifts, lithium and helium abundances, and galaxy distribution, among other topics, are ignored or ridiculed. This reflects a growing dogmatic mindset that is alien to the spirit of free scientific inquiry."
This does not sound so unreasonable to those of us who have had reasonable papers ignored or ridiculed. As I have said below the landscape looks different on the other side of the fence.
Lets all keep open minds on the subject.

Garth
In fairness (to me), as the word "dogmatic" is pretty emotionally charged and unhelpful (like "ridiculed"), I want to make it clear that that isn't my word. The quote I was referring to was this one (the sentence after the one you quoted):
This reflects a growing dogmatic mindset that is alien to the spirit of free scientific inquiry.
 
  • #33
russ_watters said:
In fairness (to me), as the word "dogmatic" is pretty emotionally charged and unhelpful (like "ridiculed"), I want to make it clear that that isn't my word. The quote I was referring to was this one (the sentence after the one you quoted):
Actually I did quote that sentence! Indeed in order to show it wasn’t your word but to put it in context in the statement.

Whether the phrases "a growing dogmatic mindset" or "(discordant data) are ignored or ridiculed" are emotionally charged or not is not really so much the issue as the question, "Are they true?" There seems to be a number of people who seem to think they are, but are they justified in making that point?
We are not talking hurt feelings, egos and reputations here, although undoubtedly they are a factor, but the scientific process.
Garth
 
  • #34
Garth said:
Actually I did quote that sentence! Indeed in order to show it wasn’t your word but to put it in context in the statement.
Oops - didn't read closely enough. Sorry.
 

Similar threads

Closed vs. Open Crawlspace & Automatic Vents vs. Dehumidifer?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad Where can I find publicly accessible data from observatories in Europe?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Bell-icon Alert with a closed-topic not show lock icon to indicate
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Thread closed for the 3rd time
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
High School Where can I find easy-to-understand GAIA exoplanet data?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Discussion on Astronomical Prime Numbers and Re-evaluating the Primali
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Stargazing Best Telescopes for $1K: Mars, Planets & Night Sky Views
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad Has the evidence for anisotropy of cosmic acceleration been discussed?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Barycenter: Objects orbiting each other
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Can pressure differential close lateral window?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K