High School Sean Carroll on Why Does Time Exist at All?

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SUMMARY

Sean Carroll's recent TedTalk explores the nature of time and questions whether the Big Bang was truly the beginning of time. The discussion emphasizes the need for scientists to investigate time intervals closer to the Big Bang to draw definitive conclusions about its origins. Participants express skepticism regarding multiverse theories and advocate for a more empirical approach to understanding pre-Big Bang conditions. The conversation highlights the importance of expert insights, particularly from physicists like @PeterDonis, in navigating these complex topics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cosmology and the Big Bang theory
  • Familiarity with multiverse theories in physics
  • Basic knowledge of time measurement in physics
  • Awareness of current scientific debates surrounding the origins of the universe
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest findings in cosmology regarding the Big Bang
  • Explore empirical methods for measuring time intervals near the Big Bang
  • Study multiverse theories and their implications on time and existence
  • Follow discussions and publications from physicists like Sean Carroll and Peter Donis
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Anyone interested in theoretical physics, cosmology enthusiasts, and individuals seeking to understand the complexities of time and the universe's origins.

Greg Bernhardt
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Interesting TedTalk from Sean Carroll last month.



At the end he asks the question of whether the big bang was really the beginning. Is this simple multiverse talk? Thoughts?
 
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It's a nice talk. Now, as a somewhat informed enthusiast, I just think that in order to avoid speculations, scientists of the relevant fields, must first get closer to the Big Bang - orders of subdivisions of sec, than we are today. Only this way, they can conclude if it is the event we believe it is today and consequently search for something before that (or not?). I can't think of any other safe way, to reach a conclusion. But I'd like to see thoughts of the great expert people here in relevant fields (especially by @PeterDonis).
 

Thread 'Estimates — True Size of the Universe?'

I always thought it was odd that we know dark energy expands our universe, and that we know it has been increasing over time, yet no one ever expressed a "true" size of the universe (not "observable" universe, the ENTIRE universe) by just reversing the process of expansion based on our understanding of its rate through history, to the point where everything would've been in an extremely small region. The more I've looked into it recently, I've come to find that it is due to that "inflation"...
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