Tell me more ×
Skeptics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for scientific skepticism. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote -3 down vote favorite

If the Universe is flat and the total energy of the universe can be zero (we don't know if it is, but it can be) then is it possible that all matter in the universe could have emerged from nothing? If so, that what is the positive energy of the matter compensated by to yield a total of 0 in result, and why does is contradict the human logic so much. I know, matter can appear and annihilate in quantum fluctuations and all... but even this thing is kinda brain-crashing when you try to grasp it, to say nothing about applying the same idea to the whole universe.

Just in case, sorry for my english, it's not the native language for me. Thanks to all in advance.

Edit: wanted to add 'cosmology' and 'universe' tag, but there are no such (( this is so emarrasing for this kind of Q&A site.

share|improve this question
This is OT here, should go on Physics.SE – nico Oct 11 '12 at 20:24
This is a philosophical question. Practically speaking - yes, since the universe exists by definition. – Sklivvz♦ Oct 11 '12 at 20:33
2  
If the universe were to suddenly cease to exist while I am typing, then I wouldn't be able to finis – Paul Oct 14 '12 at 8:58
3  
For interested readers, here is the corresponding question on Physics – David Zaslavsky Oct 25 '12 at 16:43

closed as off topic by Sklivvz♦ Oct 11 '12 at 20:33

Questions on Skeptics Stack Exchange are expected to relate to scientific skepticism within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote

Looks like it indeed can. I strongly recommend watching this lecture.

Lawrence Krauss gives a talk on our current picture of the universe, how it will end, and how it could have come from nothing. Krauss is the author of many bestselling books on Physics and Cosmology. http://youtu.be/7ImvlS8PLIo

share|improve this answer
I listened to this lecture and a couple of anothers by Lawrence and i know about his book. But he didn't stick enough on this questions in lectures and i haven't read the book (i suppose it will be too hard for me) – Artur Udod Oct 11 '12 at 20:40
Just thought I'd mention that it's not that clear-cut. Some people (like Krauss, apparently) would argue that the universe could have come from nothing, some others do not believe that, and others consider it a meaningless question. I would advise against relying on this (or any) one lecture on its own to determine the answer here. – David Zaslavsky Oct 25 '12 at 16:45

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.