Past eternal universe in inflationary models

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the debate regarding the nature of the universe in inflationary models, specifically the assertion that inflation cannot be past eternal as proposed by Guth, Vilenkin, and Borde. Contrarily, another paper suggests that a past eternal universe is feasible under certain conditions. The discrepancy arises from differing assumptions about the mechanics of inflation and the universe's energy recovery processes. There is no consensus among cosmologists on this topic, highlighting the complexity and ongoing debate in the field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inflationary cosmology
  • Familiarity with the concepts of eternal bounce scenarios
  • Knowledge of the papers by Guth, Vilenkin, and Borde
  • Basic grasp of energy recovery mechanisms in cosmological models
NEXT STEPS
  • Read the paper by Guth, Vilenkin, and Borde on inflationary models
  • Explore the alternative paper discussing past eternal universes
  • Investigate the implications of eternal bounce scenarios in cosmology
  • Study the current consensus and debates among cosmologists regarding inflation
USEFUL FOR

Cosmologists, theoretical physicists, and students of astrophysics interested in the implications of inflationary models and the nature of the universe.

skydivephil
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Assuming inflation is true, we have this paper by Guth, Valenkin and Borde:
http://cdsweb.cern.ch/record/521154
which says that inflation can't be past eternal

and then we have this paper saying it can be made past eternal:
http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0301042

Can anyone explain to me the discrepancy in layman terms?
 
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Difference of opinon among respectable scientists. The eternal bounce scenario is not appealing because it inadequately explains how energy is recovered between cycles, imo.
 
Thanks for that Chronos, can you describe in layman terms what are the different assumptions that lead them to the different conclusions? is there a consensus on this question amonst other comsologists?
 

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