I would appear that there are 2 different connotations of the word "Space" being used in this and other threads.
1) Space is only that is in the visible universre and expands as does the universe. In this space did not exist until the Big Bang
2) Space is the entire entity of the visible & invisible (beyond the visible) universe. In this view space is universal regardless of the big bang in that it always existed, just that it contained nothing.
These 2 connotations seem to cause ambiguity.
Where is the evidence for this claim that there is no space beyond our universe?
What do you mean by "space"? Surely any space "beyond" the Universe is already included *in* the Universe?
I would like to see a definitive preamble concerning the universe being finite - w/o qualifications and exceptions. It is almost pointless debating the early space-times w/o this preamble, because with an infinite premise it is anything goes, while some 90% of the questions being debated today - disappear with a definitive appraisal.
because the fabric of space is either very small matter particles, or an unknown light or field particle,
My prmise is based on a finite universe - which includes space, particles, forces - even nothingness as we know it or dont know it. Your premise is not of a finite universe but a back door to the unscientific infinite resorting - here, anything goes.
The problem seems to be "What is space?", "Where is space?"
and "Is space Infinite?" None of which can be answered objectively.
If space did not exist before the Big Bang then what occupied the volume we now call space?
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