Hawking: God unnecessary to explain existance.

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I've just read an article about a new book coming out that's written by Steven Hawking and co-authored by Leonard Mlodinow called The Grand Design. It basically says that new theories of physics renders God unnecessary to explain the origin of the universe or even the existance of the universe at all. Here's the full article:

http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Hawking-God-didnt-create-universe-20100902.

Does anyone have comments?

There is of course the inverse, that would state with God, the new theories in physics are unnecessary to explain the origin of the universe. Since it was somewhat already obvious that you need faith to pursue either belief, I don't see what his point is.

hm, god not necessary to explain existence? I mean I have no problem with that, im an agnostic myself.. but someone has yet to explain anything regarding existence vs nonexistence. I'd say its fair to say the big bang happened given the observations we have made but how did it happen? he says it was an inevitable consequence of physics, I dont have a problem believing this, if someone would explain what is meant by that in a way that makes sense.

The problem with God is that it is completely unfalsifiable. You will never be able to prove or disprove for something that is invisible and unmeasurable and entirely separate from any observation you can make, and trying to is just foolish because by the very definition set by the hypothesis you are incapable. It is perhaps also worth mentioning that fairies, ghosts, the existence of santa clause, are also such theories.. Scientific theories need to be built upon actual evidence that can be tested from various directions to be solid facts (or in some incredible instances, completely false). I dont think we can test for the kind of spontaneous creation hawking describes, at least not currently.

I just find it funny that we need Steven Hawking to tell us something so obvious.

^^Greetings everyone. I find this interesting indeed.

However, may I please ask, why do many Scientists believe that the Universe (that is, all that was created by the big bang) is, indeed, everything?

^^ I am sure they may indeed be correct, however I find this very interesting.

After all, I believe that many Physicists believe that the Universe is finite, and thus, could there not be existence beyond the Universe?

There definitely could be, but belief, or should I say knowledge of an existence beyond the universe would require evidence of said existence. Otherwise I have to say the facts dont support the claim. It is so easy to make a hypothesis that cannot be disproven, such as fairies exist but you cant touch, see, or measure them or even talk to them if they dont want to talk to you. But that doesn't mean you should believe in them.

maybe the universe is finite, maybe its infinite, we dont conclusively know yet, every time we get the ability to look further we keep finding more stuff so far. I dont know which would be more bothersome, continually finding more forever or actually finding an edge.

Hawking does not say that God does not exist.

It's just that anything outside the universe is unobservable. Though there are some theories such as M-theory or eternal inflation which postulate that there could be many universes.

I see there's been no more replies since yesterday. I'm wondering, is there anyone here who would be interested in getting this book?

It is not obvious. If one believes that all things are caused, then what caused the Universe to exist? You can see why some people need a First Cause to be philosophically happy.

ruveyn

Stephan has been blowing smoke for quite a while, and this one is because he has a new book out.

God is not needed if you have nothingness and Gravity. Sorry Stephen, nothingness does not have gravity.

"One God, No God, Lots of Gods, and just how would your hairless ground ape life differ?" Buddha

So, of course, the most logical answer to that is a magical invisible dude who's everywhere at once, knows everything, and has superpowers?

Do you even know what the theories that Steven Hawking is talking about are?

Actually the idea would be more along the lines of a 11th dimensional being, which would allow it to be omnipotent and in control of everything. From the bit of research I have done on M-theory, such a situation is possible.

Well it's possible for me to have a million pounds in front of me right now, but that don't mean it's true

Why assume something is true because a theory says it might be possible? That's shoddy logic.

M-theory says nothing about a being in 11-dimensions.

Last edited by Jono on 05 Sep 2010, 1:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.