Why do scientist waste their time trying to figure out how the universe was formed?

Question

What ever they find out is all theory no facts. Who will benefit from knowing. How will the imformation be used to help us out here on Earth?

Answer 1

Some of the science that has led to this on the way has improved our life. For example, quantum mechanics gave us the laser, which has allowed for CD and DVD players and CD-ROM drives in computers and has applications in surgery, etc.

Answer 2

Did you ever figure the big bang was a recurring event ? If so, it's pretty darned important we figure this out & incorporate the information, so we are ready for the next one.

But there another issue - if we can figure out how the gemoetric space of the universe was formed, perhaps we can use that to manipulate space - "fold space" perhaps ?

If we know how, perhaps we can avoid certain relatavistic problems by not trying to accelerate past the speed of light, but instantaneously changing state from slower than the speed of light....to faster - ergo, no infinate mass/energy etc.

And finally - would you consider this to be a bigger waste of time, than inventing bigger & better ways to destroy each other ?

Answer 3

Society has always had a desire to know the answer to how everything began. They come up with theories to try and satisfy that demand, though secretly they might not believe them themselves anyway, and of course there are a lot of other ways mankind can benefit from space research. Personally, I would argue that there was no beginning, the universe and the matter it contains has always been (though constantly changing) and always will be, though that is a concept which is difficult for the human mind to grasp.

Answer 4

Although scientists will never find out the real answer, the study of the universe is important for studying Earth. This, in turn, will give us more information about the things that we want to know.

Answer 5

There are different stages in the development of intelligent life. We are currently at the "what happens stage", at some point we will get to the "why it happens",...then at some point we will get to the "ok lets change what happens and make our own Universe."

I like to think of the Universe as a giant nursery, where there is enough clues and toys for an intelligent species over many millions years to become godlike themselves.

Ignorance is never an option if a species wishes to understand and progress.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

Throughout modern history people have questioned the use of science. Yet it has been this useless pursuit of organizing facts into coherent theories that has led to all of the technological advances we have today. If philosophers in ancient Greece had listened to critics asking inane questions like yours we would still be living in a culture similar of ancient Greece. Just think, without science there would be no Internet. You need to re-prioritize your values before you continue attacking science; unless you wish to revert to a Hunter and Gatherer Society that existed before science started changing the lives of humankind.

Answer 7

1) They use facts. They make theories based on facts and try to find more facts that will confirm or disprove the theory

2) No one can know if there are benefits from the information until you have it. It is doubtful that people thought that investigating lightning would lead to computers, until electricity was understood no one knew its benefits and uses.

Answer 8

There's a lot of money, and where there's money, you'll find people trying to get it. The scientists try to figure out how the universe formed because someone who has money is willing to pay them to do it.

Answer 9

One reason, research grants.

Whenever you have a question about why someone does something, always follow the money.

I can get a research grant to study and theorize about the origins of the universe, or I can get a real job and earn a living. Hmmm.... wonder which one I would choose?

Answer 10

Because its a puzzle that they find fascinating.

I agree. You cannot figure out the origin of the universe, as you arrive at questions like "What is the age of time?"...and other assorted nonsense.

-Aztec276