How can something come from nothing?

This is one of the greatest puzzles, as it seems so counter-intuitive to be able to answer this with 'yes'. However, if we agree to the fact that we are here (and hence there is something), we must accept one of these two additional facts:
- something came from nothing
- there has always been something

Of the two, the second seems more surprising than the first. If there has always been something, then there is just no answer to the questions 'when was the universe created, who by (if anyone) and how'.

At least if something can come from nothing, there are answers to this question. Therefore it is believe something can come from nothing, as we are here. The problem is answering how this can happen.

Quantum theory states that small particles can come into existence temporarily, then pop out again, by borrowing energy from the universe. Perhaps over some unimaginable period of time, the build up of particles popping into existence was significant and physical laws about particular interactions governed the rest. But the honest answer is simply that no-one really knows how so much matter as there is in the universe could come from nothing!

By: knowitall

Average rating for this answer is 4 / 5

Rate Answer

Comment or provide your answer to this question
No comments have been added to this question "How can something come from nothing?".

 Ask a New Question

 Find out more about Philosophy

 Philosophy Questions and Answers

 Next question: how can we be conscious?

© TMHT 2007 | Tools | Find |  Sudoku  |  Polls  |  Web Design UK  |  Links | Autographs | Quotes | Home