Theoretical origin of life; Koonen's odds against (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, February 24, 2015, 00:55 (3348 days ago) @ dhw


> dhw: NB He does not see the multiverse as a necessary requirement, but only an infinite universe. Add eternal [...] and we have the same argument that you and i have been discussing: infinity and eternity make anything possible. 
> 
> dhw: Perhaps the parenthesis is simply a possible alternative, to cover both scenarios. In the conclusion he is quite specific: 
> “For the present concept to hold, the only essential assumptions are that the universe is infinite [e.g., any (island) universe under MWO; the multiverse, per se, is not a must] and that the number of macroscopic histories in any finite region of spacetime is finite."-The point of the infinite universe vs. multiverse comment he makes is that under current theories it doesn't matter what term is used. An infinite universe can have many regions that are equivalent to the multiverse concept. The infinite universe and the multiverse can be one and the same. That is what he means. 
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> dhw: The argument is simply that infinity and eternity make anything possible. I remain baffled by all the vehement opposition to the two concepts.-It is accepted that odds of 10^-150 rule out chance. That is not infinity. The argument is the same as the orbiting teapot. Just because it is imaginable does not mean it is real.-> dhw: Of course the chance argument is no reason for believing in infinity, but until someone proves that our universe is finite and/or came from nothing, it will remain as much a hypothesis as an infinite eternal universe or succession of universes.-This universe appears to have a beginning and a microwave background that represents it. There is an unproven discussion that beyond the CMB is an infinite universe. Unfortunately, we can never see it. Another hypothesis to mull in the confusion. IF the BB created space and time, there must be a boundary with the void. Unfortunately, we cannot see that boundary because space curves back on itself. I think God created all of this to confuse us or keep us guessing. After all, faith requires faith. He shouldn't allow science to absolutely prove Himself. He leaves room for faith.