Can a universe exist without matter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether a universe can exist without matter, exploring theoretical frameworks and implications within physics, particularly in the context of general relativity and quantum gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a universe can exist with only time, space, and energy, without any matter.
  • Others argue that within a classical general relativity framework, a universe can be described with energy (such as radiation) but no matter, or even as a vacuum solution consisting solely of gravity.
  • A participant questions how this concept might change under the framework of quantum gravity.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that while matter is a significant component of our universe, alternate dimensions could theoretically exist without matter, although this idea is considered tricky.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the interest in such a universe, questioning its observability or verifiability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the existence of a universe without matter and its implications in different physical theories.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of "universe," "matter," and the frameworks of classical and quantum gravity, which remain unresolved.

Dremmer
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Just including time, space and energy, but no matter?
 
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If by "can a universe exist" you mean "does a consistent classical GR description exist", then yes you can have a universe with energy (just radiation) but no matter, or you can even have a universe with just pure gravity - a so-called vacuum solution.
 
But what if in quantum gravity?
 
Yes, Space Time and Energy, that's what most things consist of such as the unverse. Matter makes up parts of the unoverse such as our solar system and our planet. Think of alternate dimensions that you here of on TV or in Movies. They sometimes have no matter but yet they exist. This topic can be tricky but yes i pretty sure you can have a universe with no matter.
 
Why is that even interesting, if it's inherently impossible to observe or verify?
 
Duplicate thread.
 

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