I understand what nothing means, nothing does not exist! Did the universe arise from nothing? Did the universe come into existence from nonexistence?
We don't know.
If the universe is all that exists, and if the universe at some point did not exist... then by definition it came into existence from non-existence. Regardless of how it originated (be it a natural process or a deity saying "abracadabra" followed by POOF, a universe).
If the universe is NOT all that exists (like for example in a multi-verse) and if at some point the universe did NOT exist, then the universe came from something else.
But here, we once again bump into an interesting linguistic problem. Or is it really "linguistic"?
The universe is the
space-time continuum. This means that space AND time are integral parts
of the universe.
Meaning, if you remove the universe from existence, then you also remove space AND time.
If time doesn't exist..... then what does it even mean to say "if at some point in time the universe did not exist"? What "point in time"? Time = the universe. There is NO POINT IN TIME where the universe did not exist.
Whenever there was time, there was a universe.
So really, it is perfectly reasonable to say that the universe has ALWAYS existed.
Always = for all of time.
So, whenever there was "time", there was a universe.
Do you have a problem with my understanding of nothing?
Honestly, I have a problem with any understanding of "nothing" where it isn't meant in a colloquial manner.
For example, I could say "there is nothing in this box". Meaning the box is "empty". Meaning, there aren't any "objects" in it. But there is atmosphere (ie, molecules, pressure, weight, energy, weird quantum stuff,...etc)
If you wish to define "nothing" as the state of "non-existence"... well, that's fine, but what does that mean? You can't "invoke" non-existence. To say that the universe "expands into non-existence" is also pretty meaningless imo.
Hence why I dislike the "into" part. Because it just seems senseless to me.
The universe simply expands, period. There is no "into". To quote a funny physicist of whom I forgot the name in a science talk about "nothing": "
Well... there just is no 'there' there"
Lemme see if I can dig up the clip, as I think it's quite interesting to hear them discuss this.
Ha, found it. It's longer then I remembered though...
But for those interested:
Warning: if you manage to sit through the whole thing, your head might be spinning as a result
The "funny" guy I was referring to is the guy in the middle, with the blue blazer and colorful tie
However in any event TagliatelliMonster, the question has now been addressed by a number of people and I understand the different positions raised by members. Whatever your answer, I would guess someone has already provided a similar one. I do however appreciate your good intention to help, so please do not hesitate to respond if you feel like it.
It's a VERY interesting topic.
I like having my head blown off by this stuff, hahaha