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arXiv:1802.02231physics.hist-ph

Why Is There Something, Rather Than Nothing?

Sean M. Carroll

Early discovery. Linked by one identifiable commenter. This paper is outside the main ranking; a mention is not an endorsement.

Abstract

It seems natural to ask why the universe exists at all. Modern physics suggests that the universe can exist all by itself as a self-contained system, without anything external to create or sustain it. But there might not be an absolute answer to why it exists. I argue that any attempt to account for the existence of something rather than nothing must ultimately bottom out in a set of brute facts; the universe simply is, without ultimate cause or explanation.

arXiv comments
Invited contribution to the Routledge Companion to the Philosophy of Physics, eds. E. Knox and A. Wilson
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
physics.hist-phHistory and Philosophy of Physics gr-qcGeneral Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

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Linked by 1 identifiable commenter in 1 comment across 1 thread, from Jul 2018 to Jul 2018. Found in 1 HN submission from Feb 2018 to Feb 2018. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments1 thread

  1. The Mystery of the Millionaire Metaphysician (2001) 1 comment

    • I understand the consideration that this Universe is all that exists. But isn't that... weird? That there's no 'why' to this particular existence? We could be much more complicated if you consider all possible things that could exist. Is it simply senseless to ask 'why this'?…

      darkmightyView on HNParent context

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