- #1
Trollfaz
- 141
- 14
That was 10 years ago, when he proposed that humans are shortening the lifespan of the universe by looking at it. Is this nonsense?
Lawrence Krauss and shortening the lifespan of the universe
- B
- Thread starter Trollfaz
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Universe
In summary: It is a paradox. I think it works through the 'upset and then relief' effect. You present a possibility, challenge the assumptions that make it a possibility, and then explain why those assumptions are necessary in the first place. It can be done in a way that is entertaining and educational and not too misleading. They are still 'lies to children' in a sense. But I think the audience is generally aware of this to some extent. You don't have to be an expert to have a sense of what is 'too good to be true'. I'm not really defending the practice, but it is a common feature of popular science education. And I think it is more positive than negative in the long run.
- #2
- 19,039
- 14,626
Give a citation please. I suspect you misunderstood what he said, but it's kinda hard to tell since you did not give a citation and quote his exact statement.Trollfaz said:
- #3
Trollfaz
- 141
- 14
"Several interesting open questions are raised, including whether observing the cosmological configuration of our universe may ultimately alter its mean lifetime."
- #4
Bandersnatch
Science Advisor
- 3,520
- 3,062
Have a look here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/has-observing-the-universe-sealed-its-fate.199811/
(includes Krauss himself posting comments)
One more thread here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...its-duration-recent-krauss-dent-paper.200060/
tl;dr; - it was not meant to suggest that there is a causal connection between observation and the universe's lifetime.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/has-observing-the-universe-sealed-its-fate.199811/
(includes Krauss himself posting comments)
One more thread here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...its-duration-recent-krauss-dent-paper.200060/
tl;dr; - it was not meant to suggest that there is a causal connection between observation and the universe's lifetime.
- #5
rootone
- 3,395
- 946
The Universe exists.
I'm sure that humans being in it makes it no different from what it would be without them.
I'm sure that humans being in it makes it no different from what it would be without them.
- #6
PeterDonis
Mentor
- 47,486
- 23,763
Trollfaz said:
Where is this quote from?
- #7
OCR
- 994
- 934
- #8
PeterDonis
Mentor
- 47,486
- 23,763
OCR said:
These are helpful links, yes. Your attitude, however, is not. It's the responsibility of a person quoting someone to give a reference for the quote. You've helped Trollfaz out by doing that for him, which is fine; but it's certainly not the job of the moderators to do that for everyone.
- #9
Chronos
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,439
- 750
Lawrence Krauss has an interesting sense of humor. He delights in titillating marginally informed pop sci audiences by raising possibilities that are only viable when you tweak certain assumptions that go into interpreting the data. I always viewed it as a teaching aid intended to help the truly curious understand how and why we rely on certain 'assumptions' and what happens when you push them a little too hard. He is a very popular speaker. You can get a sense of just how seriously he regards his remarks are by sizing up his audience. The Lawrence Krauss that gives planetarium speeches and magazine interviews is not the same Lawrence Krauss who addresses scientific conferences attended by professional physicists. He and Michio Kaku number among the science celebrities who make a living through this form of entertainment. I view it as something of value by promoting popular interest in science.
- #10
Trollfaz
- 141
- 14
Well, I guess I misunderstood what he said. Apologies
- #11
Chronos
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,439
- 750
I did not intend to suggest professional scientists get some perverse satisfaction from misleading lay audiences. It's just a device to elevate popular public interest in science. If it interests you enough to provoke a little research, it's not phd difficult to figure out the context of their remarks
Last edited:
- #12
juliakate
- 1
- 0
I think misunderstanding
- #13
PeterDonis
Mentor
- 47,486
- 23,763
Chronos said:
The problem I have with this approach is that the vast majority of the people in the marginally informed pop sci audiences, as you call them, have neither the time, nor the background knowledge, nor the inclination to do any such research. They think these scientists are authorities who are telling them the literal truth. And the scientists do nothing to disabuse people of this notion. I don't think the overall effect of this is to promote popular interest in science; I think it promotes popular misunderstanding of science.
- #14
- 19,039
- 14,626
I dislike it as pedagogical methodology, but I think it does both even while misleading about specifics.PeterDonis said:
FAQ: Lawrence Krauss and shortening the lifespan of the universe
What is Lawrence Krauss's theory on the shortening lifespan of the universe?
Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist who proposed the idea that the universe's lifespan may be shorter than previously thought due to the effects of dark energy. He suggests that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, which could eventually lead to the universe tearing apart in a "big rip" scenario.
How does dark energy play a role in shortening the lifespan of the universe?
Dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that is thought to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. If this expansion continues to accelerate, it could eventually overcome the gravitational forces holding galaxies and other structures together, leading to the "big rip" scenario proposed by Krauss.
Are there any other theories about the end of the universe?
Yes, there are several other theories about the ultimate fate of the universe. Some scientists believe that the universe will continue to expand forever, while others predict a "big crunch" scenario where the universe collapses back in on itself. There are also theories about a "heat death" where the universe reaches a state of maximum entropy and all energy is evenly distributed.
What evidence supports Krauss's theory?
One key piece of evidence supporting Krauss's theory is the observed acceleration of the universe's expansion. This has been confirmed by multiple studies, including the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of dark energy in 1998. Additionally, simulations and calculations based on the laws of physics support the idea that dark energy could eventually lead to a "big rip" scenario.
What are the implications of a shorter lifespan for the universe?
If Krauss's theory is correct and the universe's lifespan is significantly shorter than previously thought, it would have profound implications for the future of our universe. It could mean that the universe will end in a dramatic and catastrophic event, rather than simply fading away over trillions of years. It could also impact our understanding of the origin and nature of the universe, as well as our place within it.