What is the most common/likely process of the Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the fundamental processes of the universe, particularly focusing on the concept of expansion and its implications. Participants explore what might be considered the universe's main action and its most common occurrences, while also delving into the effects of observational capabilities on our understanding of the cosmos.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the universe's main descriptive action is expansion, while others question this notion, suggesting that gravity might be a more fundamental aspect.
  • One participant suggests that the "main thing" of the universe could be existence itself, indicating a philosophical perspective.
  • There is a side question regarding whether the ability to observe larger scales of the universe could fundamentally alter our current understanding, with some arguing that such speculation cannot be definitively answered.
  • Another participant emphasizes that observations are confined to the observable universe, and any speculation about what lies beyond cannot be confirmed or refuted.
  • Concerns are raised about the vagueness of the original question, with some participants suggesting that a more specific inquiry would be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the main processes of the universe, with no consensus reached on whether expansion or gravity is more fundamental. The discussion also remains unresolved regarding the implications of observational capabilities on our understanding of the universe.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of the discussion, particularly regarding the speculative nature of questions about the universe beyond the observable limits and the challenges in quantifying the impact of observations on our knowledge.

Tap Banister
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Sorry if this question is kind of vague or even too vague, but what is the universe's main descriptive action and what is the most common occurrence due to this action? Can we just say the universe's "main thing" is expansion and the main side effect of this process is...?

-Side Question-
Does being capable of seeing even greater scales and normalizing these scales alter what we already know about the universe? If we find out the observable universe is just part of an even larger cosmic object and the scale of a super cluster becomes normalized like galaxies are today, could that fundamentally change current nigh-certainties? I guess I'm asking, how much of what we know is based on how much or how well we can see?
 
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Sadly, I don't think this question is well-formed enough for any kind of answer.
 
I'm guessing what you are looking for. Possibly proton-proton fusion?
 
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mathman said:
I'm guessing what you are looking for. Possibly proton-proton fusion?
If you don't mind me asking, what brings you to this thought?
 
Tap Banister said:
If we find out the observable universe is just part of an even larger cosmic object

I don't understand what your question means.

But consider the meaning of the word observable. What we can say backed up by observations, is by-definition confined to the observable universe. We can speculate what is outside of that region, but we can't have evidence to confirm or refute the speculation.
 
Tap Banister said:
Sorry if this question is kind of vague or even too vague, but what is the universe's main descriptive action and what is the most common occurrence due to this action? Can we just say the universe's "main thing" is expansion and the main side effect of this process is...?
My first idea is that the "universe's main thing" is existence.
 
Since we’ve exhausted the vagueness of the question, I think it’s appropriate that we close this thread now and thank everyone who commented here.
 
Tap Banister said:
Sorry if this question is kind of vague or even too vague...
Indeed, it is. Maybe you will start a new thread with a more specific question.
... but what is the universe's main descriptive action and what is the most common occurrence due to this action?
Gravity.
Can we just say the universe's "main thing" is expansion and the main side effect of this process is...?
I don't think so. You can't actually see expansion, and what should severe consequences be? Locally there is nothing which expands.
-Side Question-
Does being capable of seeing even greater scales and normalizing these scales alter what we already know about the universe?
Hopefully every observation alters what we know, and be it a higher confidence in what we already knew. This question doesn't make sense.
If we find out the observable universe is just part of an even larger cosmic object and the scale of a super cluster becomes normalized like galaxies are today, could that fundamentally change current nigh-certainties? I guess I'm asking, how much of what we know is based on how much or how well we can see?
These questions cannot be answered. The first is pure speculation, which means any answer is allowed, and the second asks for a quantification which cannot be given: how much? 100%, because someone has to "see" what the instruments measure.
 

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