Big Bang Theory & Relevant Creation Philosophies
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Question 1:
One hundred years ago, many scientists believed that the universe was infinite and eternal, with no beginning and no end. When Einstein first developed his general theory of relativity, he found it predicted that the universe should be either expanding or contracting. He believed so strongly in an eternal and unchanging universe that he modified the theory, a modification he would later call his "greatest blunder". Why do you think Einstein and others assumed that the universe had no beginning? Do you think that a universe with a definite beginning in time, some 15 billion or so years ago, has any important philosophical implications? Explain.
Question 2:
You've probably noticed that, in discussing the Big Bang theory, we never quite talk about the first instant. Even our most speculative theories at present take us back only to within 10-43 seconds of creation. Do you think it will ever be possible for science to consider the moment of creation itself? Will we ever be able to answer questions such as why the Big Bang happened? Defend your opinions.
Question 3:
If you could live forever, would you choose to do so? Suppose the universe will keep expanding forever, as the bulk of observations currently suggest. How would you satisfy your energy needs as time goes on? How would you grow food? What would you do with all that time?
Question 4:
Scientists, philosophers, and poets alike have speculated on the fate of the universe. How would you prefer the universe as we know it to end, in a big crunch or through eternal expansion? Explain the reasons behind your preference.
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Solution Summary
Answers to questions about the infinite nature of the universe, philosophy of the creation, the big bang theory placement in the creation, and living forever in an expanding universe.
Solution Preview
Einstein and others at this point in time had not achieved the methods to investigate the more detailed information we have today. Understanding that stars are classed based on size and age is one of the things that has become more apparent as we have gained technology in the form of satellites, computers, and advanced telescopes. Also, to calculate the infinitive nature of the universe both forward and backward would have been difficult. I am not sure that his understanding of the facts of nuclear fusion and therefore the creation of the universe was available at the level it has become in today's scientific community. Without understanding nuclear fusion and its ongoing recreation of self would be a starting point. A comparison would be why students in the 1980's did not use computers to do homework. The technology and knowledge were not yet to a point where the principles and theories along with the ...
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