The discussion revolves around the concept of whether the universe is truly eternal or if it is merely a temporary fluctuation, particularly in the context of particle lifetimes such as protons and electrons. Participants explore implications of these lifetimes on the nature of the universe, considering both theoretical and philosophical perspectives.
Participants express differing views on the implications of particle lifetimes for the concept of an eternal universe. There is no consensus, as some support the idea of an eternal universe while others challenge this perspective.
Participants note that the assumptions regarding particle lifetimes are based on observations and statistical inferences, which may not provide a definitive answer regarding the universe's eternity.
I guess it depends on how infinite your infinity has to be.mcronald said:With the life of a proton exceeding 10 to the 34 years and the electron even greater why can't we assume the universe is eternal and the big bang a fluctuation in that duration? Its no more difficult to consider an eternal universe as it is a finite one with nothing coming before as it seems that it will never end.
I do not quite see how you make this inference. That the proton has a lifetime larger than ##10^{34}## years by no means implies that the universe must be eternal.mcronald said:With the life of a proton exceeding 10 to the 34 years and the electron even greater why can't we assume the universe is eternal and the big bang a fluctuation in that duration?
This is a good read on the subject:mcronald said:With the life of a proton exceeding 10 to the 34 years and the electron even greater why can't we assume the universe is eternal and the big bang a fluctuation in that duration? Its no more difficult to consider an eternal universe as it is a finite one with nothing coming before as it seems that it will never end.