So what is your favourite theory for the beginning of the universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around theories regarding the beginning of the universe, specifically focusing on the cyclic model, the Big Bang Theory, and other cosmological models. Participants explore the implications of terminology such as "creation" versus "beginning" and the importance of precise questioning in scientific discourse.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a preference for the cyclic model as an interesting theory regarding the universe's beginning.
  • Others argue that the cyclic model does not address the concept of creation, suggesting that the question posed may be invalid.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of formulating questions correctly in science, with suggestions on how to phrase inquiries about cosmological theories.
  • Some participants emphasize that scientific discourse should rely on testable hypotheses rather than subjective opinions, highlighting the distinction between objective and subjective science.
  • A humorous remark is made regarding a hypothetical scenario involving a walrus, illustrating the absurdity of untestable claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the original question or the preferred cosmological model. Multiple competing views remain regarding the interpretation of "beginning" versus "creation" and the relevance of different cosmological theories.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the definitions of key terms and the implications of various cosmological models. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the nature of scientific inquiry and the formulation of questions.

11jdodds
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Personally I like Cyclic model, what do you think is the most interesting, and which do you think is the most likely.Title is meant to say universe

As phinds has said the 'creation' of the universe is the wrong word, therefore I would like to replace it with the word 'beginning'
 
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11jdodds said:
Personally I like Cyclic model, what do you think is the most interesting, and which do you think is the most likely.Title is meant to say universe
As far as I'm aware, the cyclic model says nothing about the CREATION of the universe, so you've given an invalid answer to your own question. That's the problem with turtles all the way down.
 
phinds said:
As far as I'm aware, the cyclic model says nothing about the CREATION of the universe, so you've given an invalid answer to your own question. That's the problem with turtles all the way down.
Cheers mate, however I am sure you know what I mean (do you not).
Also how would you word the question?
 
11jdodds said:
Cheers mate, however I am sure you know what I mean (do you not).
Also how would you word the question?
Proper formulation of questions is very important in science. Sloppy terminology evolves from and/or leads to sloppy thinking and wrong answers (or answers that are not to the question you thought you were asking). I KNOW this sounds pedantic as hell, but it has been demonstrated on this forum over and over again.

I would state the question as "the currently accepted theory of cosmology is the Big Bang Theory but it is silent on the question of what was going on / what happened at t=0 (the "singularity"). What do you think was going on / happened?"
 
Thank
phinds said:
Proper formulation of questions is very important in science. Sloppy terminology evolves from and/or leads to sloppy thinking and wrong answers (or answers that are not to the question you thought you were asking). I KNOW this sounds pedantic as hell, but it has been demonstrated on this forum over and over again.

I would state the question as "the currently accepted theory of cosmology is the Big Bang Theory but it is silent on the question of what was going on / what happened at t=0 (the "singularity"). What do you think was going on / happened?"
Thanks
 
In science we do not vote.
 
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Likes   Reactions: nikkkom, jim mcnamara and ChrisVer
11jdodds said:
As phinds has said the 'creation' of the universe is the wrong word, therefore I would like to replace it with the word 'beginning'
In what way do you see "beginning" as being different than "creation"? I am NOT trying to be hard to get along with here, I am trying to help you understand that your question is actually vague.

You would be better off asking people which model they prefer, the Big Bang, the Steady State, Cyclic, and so forth. The BB is silent on the subject of a creation/beginning, the Steady State is thoroughly discredited, and the Cyclic has zero empirical evidence and in any case is also silent on the creation/beginning since it just uses the nifty copout of "eternal". I think there are probably others which also have zero empirical evidence but some supporters
 
Uh, I just realized this thread is in the intro section. This kind of thread does NOT belong in the intro section. I have reported it and suggested that it be moved.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
In science we do not vote.

We test a hypothesis. No testable hypothesis means nobody currently knows. I could posit something stupid: 'Before the universe came to be, there was a giant walrus. She gave birth to the Universe'. Aside from being ridiculous, there is no known way to test that statement. If indeed 'before' existed. So therefore the scientific answer is: nobody currently knows.

[rant]
Too many folks think that they can have any view they want about Science, and that because they think it, it is true. Or at least worthy of consideration. This problem of subjective science (as opposed to objective science) runs from major political figures who potentially make serious life-altering decisions, to the guy living on the park bench down the street.
[/rant]
 
  • #10
jim mcnamara said:
there is no known way to test that statement
I will give it a try. Where is that walrus now ?
 

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