Thoughts on Hawking's No-Boundary Proposal of Universe

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In summary: Unfortunately, so far no-one has been able to come up with a mathematical expression that accurately describes the reality.In summary, the no-boundary proposal of the universe is based on the theory of Max Tegmark's Mathematical Universe Hypothesis. It suggests that reality is not bounded by physical boundaries and that the universe is infinitely expanding. It also uses the concept of imaginary time, which is represented by real numbers but is imaginary in terms of our "real" time. Some people criticize the proposal because they believe that the use of imaginary time is simply for convenience. However, Hawking argues that this proposal has more than just mathematical validity, because it explains several fundamental physical concepts.
  • #1
MrQG
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What are everyone's thoughts on the (Hawking's) no-boundary proposal of the universe? Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
As I understand, it is Wick's rotation of the whole Universe.
It makes sense to me.
 
  • #3
And what about its use of imaginary time?
 
  • #4
The funny thing is imaginary time is represented by real numbers while real time is represented by imaginary numbers.
Our world is 4D sphere with metric ++++, Wick rotation of one of the spatial dimensions (which one? I don't understand) makes it infinitely expanding and with metric +++-
So our 'real' time we observe is imaginary (because it has "i" multiplier, - metric). Our time is a reflection of what Hawking calls "imaginary" time, but mathematically that time is real one because it is a part of ++++ metric.
 
  • #5
I've heard some people criticize the proposal claiming that the use of imaginary time is simply for mathematical convenience. What do you think? I appreciate your thoughts.
 
  • #6
I don't think there is a difference between physics and mathematics.
Also, it explains for example why our metrics is +++-,
and why Schrodinger equation is Wick rotation of fundamental solution of heat equation.
so it explains why Wicks roation is not just mathematics trick but has deep and fundamental physical meaning.
 
  • #7
So, would you say that Hawking is actually postulating that "imaginary" time is something real, as in, actually there? Is he saying that this proposal actually describes reality or is it merely a mathematical model meant to make accurate predictions? Does he somehow "refuse" to convert back "real" time? Thanks.
 
  • #8
I don't know if Hawking accepts, implicitly or explictly, Max Tegmark's Mathematical Universe Hypotesis (MUH). But IMHO the way of thinking you need to come to the idea of No boundary proposal requires MUH. Based on MUH, your question

this proposal actually describes reality or is it merely a mathematical model meant to make accurate predictions?

does not make any sense, because MUH postulates that mathematics does not describe the reality, it is reality
 
  • #9
That's an interesting hypothesis. Does it have much support? However, it sounds more like a metaphysical theory than a scientific one.
 
  • #10
The proof of MUH it simple: it predicts that one will be able to express TOE in a form of mathematical equations, without any "word baggage". You won't need words like "t stands for time" etc. Just pure formulas. So MUH is falsifiable.
 

FAQ: Thoughts on Hawking's No-Boundary Proposal of Universe

What is Hawking's No-Boundary Proposal of Universe?

Hawking's No-Boundary Proposal of Universe is a theory proposed by renowned physicist Stephen Hawking in the 1980s. It suggests that the universe has no boundaries or edges, and therefore, there is no need for a beginning or an end. According to this theory, the universe has always existed and will continue to exist forever.

How does the No-Boundary Proposal differ from the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory states that the universe began with a singularity and has been expanding ever since. In contrast, the No-Boundary Proposal suggests that the universe has no beginning and has always existed. It also eliminates the need for a singularity, making it a more complete and self-contained theory.

What evidence supports Hawking's No-Boundary Proposal?

One of the main pieces of evidence for the No-Boundary Proposal is the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the leftover radiation from the Big Bang. This radiation is uniform in all directions, which aligns with the theory that the universe has no preferred direction or boundaries.

How does the No-Boundary Proposal explain the arrow of time?

The No-Boundary Proposal suggests that time is a concept created by human perception and does not exist in the universe's fundamental laws. Therefore, there is no preferred direction of time, and the concept of "before" and "after" becomes meaningless. This theory challenges the traditional notion of time as a linear progression.

What are some potential implications of the No-Boundary Proposal?

The No-Boundary Proposal has significant implications for our understanding of the universe and its origins. It challenges long-held beliefs about the beginning of the universe and the nature of time. It also opens up new avenues of research and exploration in the field of cosmology. However, this theory is still a subject of debate and requires further evidence and analysis to be fully accepted.

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