Cosmologic philosophy: evidence of previous universes? (Introduction)

by David Turell , Saturday, August 18, 2018, 15:28 (2289 days ago) @ dhw

QUOTE: "The theory of a recycling universe is not without controversy. Most of our evidence suggests that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, with the universe not being dense enough to compress back into a single point and expand again – sometimes called the Big Bounce theory.
"We've also yet to find any evidence of Hawking radiation, let alone Hawking points. So while this is an interesting theory, there's plenty more work to do just yet before anyone goes about claiming the definitive existence of a previous universe."

DAVID’s comment: Note the final cautionary paragraph.

dhw: I wish people would apply the same caution to the theory of a big bang which came out of nothing and was preceded by nothing.

DAVID: The problem is that there is a universe which started for some reason, is expanding from a smaller state, and must have come from some cause.

dhw: One should therefore apply the utmost caution before accepting that there was a big bang which came out of nothing and was preceded by nothing. I’m glad we agree.

All I pointed out is the universe started for some reason. For most an eternal universe is ruled out.