Is the Universe Infinite or Finite?

Question

Two main theories suggesting the universe is infinite...

Big Crunch Theory: Suggests that before the big bang all the matter in the universe was drawn together and instead of making a black hole like most dense celestial bodies, resulted in a big bang. This hints at the universe having a rubber band effect where it expands then contracts.
- not possible under classical newtonian physics when we observe the universe is acually accelerating out instead of slowing down.

Infinite Mother Universe Theory - This theory is even more of a joke considering there's absolutey not logical or empirical evidence. It states that there is a universe creating universe that is infinitely creating random kinds of universi and thus we happen to be the one with life. This theory takes far more belief than a creator.

I think the universe started with a big bang and is finite. How about you?

Answer 1

There are two classes of Big Bang solutions to Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. One class of solutions is finite and the other is infinite.

You are wrong about the Big Crunch solution. That is actually the finite model not the infinite one.

If the universe is sufficiently flat that it will not crunch again then it is infinite. In other words there is not enough mass to result in enough space-time curvature for the universe to be closed. The data tends to indicate that this is somewhat more likely, although in principle it does not seem to be possible to experimentally distinguish between an infinite universe and a sufficiently large finite one.. In an infinite universe, if you keep going in some direction you don't come back to where you began, but keep going indefinitely. In a finite one, assuming you could go fast enough, you eventually would get back to where you began.

Either solution the finite one where the traveler eventually comes back to where he began, or the infinite one where he goes on forever is mathematically and philosophically possible. But current evidence indicates that either the universe is infinite or at least very very very big.

Note to those answering above such as JT: The finite model says nothing about "nothing" existing, or something beyond it. If the universe is finite you don't come to an edge, you come back to where you began.

Personal note: I tend to believe the universe is infinite. I think the simplest interpretation of quantum mechanics points to a plentitudnal infinite reality. I am agnostic about our time having a finite beginning or not. In fact I am not even sure the question is even meaningful. The reason I think it may not be meaningful is that I think that fundementally time may be directionless, depending on consciousness and thermodynamics to provide directions within a far more vast reality than we are aware of.

People need to remember that there is a huge difference between the idea of beginnings and creation events. Zero is the beginning of the Natural integers. The north pole is the beginning of lines of longitude. Absolute zero is the beginning of the temperature scale. None of these are in any sense creation events. You must remember that time is a derived property of the universe. Not something it is embedded in.

Now for a personal Rant: If you really want to understand these issues. You first need to understand the mathematical models that General Relativity, and homogeneity imply. You are far more likely to get this understanding from someone who has a physics or differential geometry background and has actually worked through the mathematics involved such as myself, than you are looking in ancient books written by scientifically illiterate goat herders. That is why I suggest in the future asking these questions in the physics section, if you really want to get more informed answers.

The question of whether the universe is finite or infinite is completely othogonal to the question of whether it is created. If I am a designer of universes ( rather than just creating universe models on a computer), I could choose to create either infinite universes or finite universes ( just as I can create mathematical models of either infinite or finite universes on a computer) . Remember time is just an aspect of the universe. If the universe is not created but simply based on mathematical laws. It could be based on either laws leading to finite universes or infinite universes. Indeed maybe reality is an infinite muliverse containing both finite and infinite sub-universes. So those of you ( both atheist and theist alike ) trying to answer this question based on your personal agenda are misguided. The answer is not to be found in religion, but in science, if in fact it can be found at all.

Answer 2

Suppose flat 2 dimensional figures on paper could magically come alive. They would live in a 2 dimensional world. There would be no way to make them understand our 3 dimensional world. If you told them that there was a 3rd dimension, they would deny it. If you showed them a ball, they would say that you showed them a circle. You would move the sphere closer to them, and they would say that you were making the circle larger. They are trapped in their world and not to understand ours.

We, like the 2 dimension people are trapped in our 3 dimensional world and we can't experience the 4th dimension, time. At least we can't experience it as it is described in "Relativity". As one reaches higher velocities it effects time as we know it, a series of events. This was proven in many science experiments. The particle accelerators, electromagnets, in a cyclotron must be staggered in spacing for the machine to work because of the "Relativistic" effect on time and speed. Without allowing for Relativity the machine won't work.

So, the Relativistic effects on time and distance make it hard to say whether the universe is finite, or infinite based on our limitations as I described. Based on our perceptions, we can't see far enough to decide. There may be other unseen forces or dimensions that we know nothing about.

Answer 3

I believe that universe is finite,it is having an end,beyond that there is a spiritual world,god dwells,it is bigger than universe

Answer 4

If you believe the universe is finite, where does it end? At a wall or something? What would be on the other side? The only logical theory is that it IS infinite.

Answer 5

The universe cannot possibly be finite.

If it is finite, then that implies something beyond the universe. And, something beyond that. And, something beyond that.

Logic does not allow for a finite universe.

"Nothing" does not and cannot exist.

The universe is also eternal. It did not begin and will not end. And we can conclude that because "nothing" does not exist.


The infinite, eternal universe eliminates the need for, or possibility of a creator.

Answer 6

big bang and finite


totally trust it, even proven by God's word

"Do not the unbelievers see that the skies (space) and the earth (matter) were joined together (as one unit of creation) and we ripped them apart?" The Quran, 21:30

"and the heavens we created with might (power) and we are expanding it." 51:47

"Then He took hold of the sky when it was smoke." 41:11

"and the sun and the moon, all travelling in orbits." 21:33

Answer 7

From what I'm reading this universe is finite but there seems to be evidence that there is more then one universe.

That makes my brain hurt.

Answer 8

I think the big bang, like all forms of creativity, is infinite and ever recurring.

Answer 9

What about Hubble? Did he not prove that the universe is expanding? If that's the case, what's it expanding into? This would suggest that the universe has parameters if it is capable of expanding. "Parameters" would indicate that it has shape and form therefore it is finite.

Answer 10

infinite, i chose not to believe in a man made theory since we dont use all of our brain. that tells me we have degraded, and are not upgrading.