3 ms·
"I confess that something in me tightens whenever I hear a scientist pontificating on issues that belong to the arena of philosophy or metaphysics. I will gladl
by joelangeway 16y ago
"I confess that something in me tightens whenever I hear a scientist pontificating on issues that belong to the arena of philosophy or metaphysics. I will gladly listen to Stephen Hawking when he holds forth on matters of theoretical physics, but he’s as qualified to talk about philosophical and religious issues as any college freshman."
The existence of the universe is very much a matter of theoretical physics and Steven Hawking, understanding this, is surely more qualified to talk about such issues than Rev. Robert Barron regardless of his opinion that they are philosophical or religious.
I don't know what prompted Steven Hawking's appearance in the media with this opinion, but here is a lecture on one explanation for why the universe does not need any first cause, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ImvlS8PLIo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ImvlS8PLIo
- midnightmonster 16y agoWould like to read a good explanation, even a lengthy one, but I'm not so interested in watching an hour-long lecture. Any links to text?
- robryan 16y agoIt's well worth the watch if you can get a spare hour, entertaining and informative throughout.
- joelangeway 16y agoSorry, I'm not a physicist. I just like listen to lectures while I work. Please post here if you find something though.
- joshuacc 16y ago"The existence of the universe is very much a matter of theoretical physics" Surely this needs a bit of qualification. Theoretical physics can certainly talk about why the universe exists in the way that it does (because this force did that, then there was a big explosion, etc.) But that doesn't mean that theoretical physics is capable of explaining why there is a physical universe (something) rather than not (nothing).