A Universe From Nothing? Maybe So.

[Mononoke]

In order for a theory to hold water it needs 3 things

To be predictive
To confirm itself with observation

To hold against the scepticism and the destroy attempts of the scientific community.

This heap of pseudo scientific mongodongo has none of these principles. it’s just a guess by some wise guy in a shirt with a pointer. Therefore cannot be admitted in my book.you should wait for his ‘’theory’’ to gain a little age before even considering this.
the big bang is way more credible and wildly accepted than this attempt at an alternative says this observer. and it has all 3 mentioned above.

With that you have established that you are enlightened, now the only question is how enlightened are you. So in order to enlighten us of the degree of your enlightenment can you explain your argument in detail.

[Brasky]

It is fine to take their word for it sometimes, because well... televisions, computers, cell phones all work etc. However here, there is nothing I can turn to and determine they are, in fact, telling me the truth.

Well, sure. Deep skepticism is always possible, and they could indeed be making a fool of us all. I'm not quite that impressed by such skepticism, though. Lawrence Krauss is someone respected in the field of physics and has managed to invite a lot of nobel prize physicians (and other superstars) to forums like "Origins" and stuff to tease the laymen we are about what they are figuring out. His remarks about the universe being zero summed is not something he took out of his arse, it's widely credited to be true by physicians (if they are right is another story) and it's the source of believing in the existence of "dark energy" and "dark matter", other kinds of energy that are also widely credited to exist.

This amount of writing just to say that what Lawrence Krauss said in that video is completely uncontroversial and mainstream literature, only updated to 2009.

I do not think most scientists would intentionally deceive us. Simply, it is possible they may be negligently wrong. And because I cannot always determine for myself their accuracy, I must remain without opinion in these cases.

[Mononoke]

It is fine to take their word for it sometimes, because well... televisions, computers, cell phones all work etc. However here, there is nothing I can turn to and determine they are, in fact, telling me the truth.

Well, sure. Deep skepticism is always possible, and they could indeed be making a fool of us all. I'm not quite that impressed by such skepticism, though. Lawrence Krauss is someone respected in the field of physics and has managed to invite a lot of nobel prize physicians (and other superstars) to forums like "Origins" and stuff to tease the laymen we are about what they are figuring out. His remarks about the universe being zero summed is not something he took out of his arse, it's widely credited to be true by physicians (if they are right is another story) and it's the source of believing in the existence of "dark energy" and "dark matter", other kinds of energy that are also widely credited to exist.

This amount of writing just to say that what Lawrence Krauss said in that video is completely uncontroversial and mainstream literature, only updated to 2009.

I do not think most scientists would intentionally deceive us. Simply, it is possible they may be negligently wrong. And because I cannot always determine for myself their accuracy, I must remain without opinion in these cases.

They could be, but considering how competitive academia is these days such mistakes will be ironed our quickly.

[Luis Dias]

I do not think most scientists would intentionally deceive us. Simply, it is possible they may be negligently wrong. And because I cannot always determine for myself their accuracy, I must remain without opinion in these cases.

Well, no one will ask your opinion on this matter, nor yours nor mine, don't worry!

And about "accuracy", I'd remind you that there's no way you can measure that. But this is science: you'll have to deal with the fact that all science produces are theories that can be wrong. Mostly, they all probably "are", in some fundamental level.

Anyways, it's a funny number, the zero one. I like it, it will give me some gotcha moments against theists, and this is mostly an entertainment venture anyways .

[Dal8077]

'Nothing' is just a place-setter for things we can't yet see, describe, or measure.

How many 'nothings' are now 'somethings' - thanks to science?

[lily24]

My first post; an incredible lecture by Lawrence Krauss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ImvlS8PLIo

Really accessible and engaging, I think there is a place for this lecture here at RDF. On a different note, I am curious to know whether there are any RDF societies/meetings/groups in Glasgow, or in correlation with the University. Does anyone know?

[Durro]

Hello Lily from Brisbane, Australia and welcome to the RDF forums. This forum is more for introductions rather than to start a new discussion topic or debate. I see Flyingscot is on-line, so she might find a more appropriate home for your video and comments. But feel free to drop back into this forum and introduce yourself a little more.

I hope that you enjoy your stay and find your time here interesting. To help you find some relevant external resources and to bring a smile to your face, here are some links that may be useful.

Handy Links

Some reasons why many posters here disagree with theists and wonder Why Won't God Heal Amputees ? and then realise that God is Imaginary

If you want to read the Bible, Koran or Book of Mormon with some helpful commentary which point out the many contradictions, fallacies and absurdities, try reading The Skeptics' Annotated Bible.

Maybe check out some of the humanist assocations and secular groups around the world...
The British National Secular Society, the British Humanist Society, the International Humanist and Ethical Union, the Council of Australian Humanist Societies, the American Council for Secular Humanism and the American National Centre for Science Education.

If you want to see just how bad the delusion can get, visit (at your own risk of brain damage) these infamous creationist sites - Answers in Genesis, The Discovery Institute and The Landover Baptist Church

- Can you guess which one is the parody site and which two are sincere in their delusion ???

Know people who think that Evolution is "Only a Theory" ? Maybe show them this explanation of what a scientific theory actually is and why Evolution is as scientifically sound and factual as the Laws of Gravity. And for further discussion on "controversies" in Evolution, take a look at the Talk Origins Archives

For the days when you lose perspective, have a look at Pale Blue Dot or the Powers of 10.

If you are having trouble with Intelligent Design/Creationism, a comprehensive list of counter-creationism resources can be found here or have a look at Thunderf00t's series of videos entitled Why Do People Laugh at Creationists ?

To avoid being duped by woo and superstition, take a look at Michael Shermer's Baloney Detection Kit or maybe the James Randi Educational Foundation website.

Have a laugh or be offended, the choice is yours when you watch Achmed the dead terrorist!! (Silence, I kill you!) or everyone's favourite god, Mr Deity

Oldies but goodies...Classic comedy routines of catholic guilt by the legendary Dave Allen ... Nuns & Blessings, Adam & Eve and Self Abuse.

...and once again, welcome to RDF !



Durro

[redwhine]

Welcome!


Some stuff to help you settle in:-

Intro Boiler Plate

Please read these at least once - the Forum User's Agreement and How the forum Works

Advice to new fellow theist members by one of our longest active resident theists, Jerome

Student? ...check out The Beekman

Parent or educator? ...Parenting & Education will be of interest.

Military? ...take a look in Atheists In Foxholes. (Looking's free but if you want to post there, you need to get permission from admin. - the mods with red names (Topsy, Sciwoman or Peter Harrison), 'cos there were problems with trolling.)

Why this site and others like it matter - a member's posts about TheTreatment of Women in Saudi Arabia and read about the lovely people known as The American Taliban.

A couple of examples of how bad the delusion can get by some of our fundie ex-members - "Proof" that God exists and even more "proof". And for those that have heard it all, here's one fundie member asserting that polar bears are white because they were scared white by humans after the Noachian flood.

A place on the front page that you may like to visit and hear stories from people who have successfully moved away from their religions - Converts Corner

Need a picture for your user profile ? Look here for Avatars

Look here to see what AFAIK, LOL and STFU mean as well as other forum acronyms.

How to add links and pictures, etc, to your posts using BBCode.

How do I insert quotes? The instructions are here

A big list of links about evolution that will help you make sense of this important topic.


...and welcome again !



redwhine