Why is there anytthing at all? (Introduction)

by David Turell , Wednesday, October 01, 2008, 17:00 (5679 days ago) @ Carl

In the previous discussions of the origin of the universe, the Big Bang with and ever expanding universe was treated as a given, as close to an established fact as science can provide. Now it is being called into question. I am not qualified to judge the accuracy of this new information, but it does confirm my skeptical attitude toward any certain knowledge from science. But, again, it's all we have. - Carl is absolutely correct. Two books point out that cosmologic physics research has gone nowhere for the past 30 years. Read "Not Even Wrong, The Failure of String Theory", by Peter Woit, 2006 or "The Trouble With Physics", by Lee Smollin, also 2006, the latter claiming that string/membrane theory leads nowhere and champions quantum loop gravity as the answer. The best comment I have ever found by a cosmologic physicist is in the book, "Faster than the Speed of Light", by Joao Magueijo, 2003. From page 235 onward: "But what we lack in achievement we make up for in panache. Indeed, we not have not one 'final answer'. but at least two, and although no one has the faintest idea how to test these theories with current technology, everyone is quick to claim that he alone holds the holy grail and that the others are all charlatans. The two leading quantum gravity cults are called string theory and quantum loop gravity. Since they don't connect with experiments or observations at all, they have become fashion accessories at best, at worst a source of feudal warfare. Today they constitute two enemy families...." All of this is based on the "beauty" of higher math equations. If the math is beautiful it must be correct in its predictions!! - Of course the scientists should question everything, but untestable theories have taken over, and to repeat, cosmologic physics has been a complete muddle for over 30 years. Another Einsteinian insight is needed.