Cosmology is the study of the Infinite large scale structure we call the Universe. The existence of Life, Space, Matter, Energy, and the Intelligence of nature and all that is must have always existed because there is no explanation for them otherwise. To ask ‘how did the Universe begin is a nonsequitur because no one can get something from nothing, which means that one would have to ask the same question an infinite number of times?

DM

I am not sure, David, I follow your reasoning. How can it be a non-sequiter to ask "How did the Universe begin ?" The fact that you do not wish to believe it started with the 'big bang' like a magician producing a dove from up an apparently empty sleeve does not invalidate the question or the answer. The fact is that it is the logical explanation for its existence as theory stands today, and if you wish to state that you might as well say God created everything in seven days, you may do so : it is a free society !

Cosmology Debate 

Polariser 

My dear friend, you are right I do not wish to believe anything or accept anything that cannot be substantiated. What I am concerned with is the truth and it cannot be true that the Universe had a beginning for the very reason that the Universe has to be infinite in every respect. Science is not about gods and magic, it’s about provable facts. Asking question and proposing theories and suppositions are in the realms of philosophy; believing in something is in the realms of religion and as we are not supposed to bring religion into our debate I am surprised that anyone should suggest that we believe in unsubstantiated ideas or imaginings such as ‘The Big Bang; The Expanding Universe; That Cycles could have a beginning; and that there was this magician called God that said let there be and it was so from absolutely nothing. As for it being a free society that really is a nonsequitur. Best wishesDM

It is sadly true that we have no cutting edge for a cosmology that satisfies; I am beginning to believe that for this reason discussion around this topic is merely tolerated on these boards, put into a section for those who won't or can't stand the rigours of scientific analysis, and would be actively discouraged in ideal circumstances. But no-one wishes to take the responsibility for cutting off the light at the end of the tunnel !

“PolariserMy dear friend, thinking about your question “How can it be a nonsequitur to ask, ‘How did the Universe begin?’ I would like to ask you, seeing that you obviously believe in a god of some kind, how and where did he or she get the materials to create this wonderful universe of ours? And if you can possibly answer that question where did the materials originate and who and what was responsible for them? Logically the building materials would have to be as substantial as what we already have and then we are back where we started from, ‘How did the Universe begin?’  

DM

Please keep in mind that these fora are not to be used to discuss religion or politics.

Dave Mitsky