Why is the Universe here?

Despite the constraints on my time, I feel a thread on this is long overdue given its prominence in the EvC debate. I want to go beyond the usual confused discussions around the Big Bang, and look at more generalised concepts (though the BB will be covered as an example in various sub-threads.) I want to look at our understanding of time, beginnings, endings, infinities, somethings-from-nothings, etc. I should stress that this will be firmly based on our understanding of relativity, with inspiration from string theory, loop QG, etc, and some quantum theory, but we will be using this to launch into *informed* speculation. The main goal is to break down common prejudices and misunderstandings - if by the end you feel you know less than when you staretd, that's not necessarily a bad thing Once (if) this is promoted, I think we'll begin with time.Big Bang and Cosmology please.

Thread copied to the Why is the Universe here? thread in the Big Bang and Cosmology forum, this copy of the thread has been closed.