What's the point of a Universe? :S

[dark_energy]

I mean, what's the point of creating a universe with stars that act like actual organisms and life and the whole lot? Is there a plan to it? I don't get it. How come stars are born and die? What is the purpose? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Maddad]

What's the point of th universe? Big Bang of course, but it was a really small point.

 

[dark_energy]

Maybe we find out when we die. :S <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[grooble]

I heard it said that the birth of mankind is the universe trying to understand itself. Through us, existence knows that it IS.

 

[mooware]

There is no purpose. It just is.<br />

 

[alkalin]

Yes, we know dimensions and we know strings and we know time and we know feeling and we know theoretical math and we know physics and we know space. The point is we do not yet know very much. Example: what exactly causes gravity?<br /><br />Who are we to decide why there is a universe? I think that many thousands of generations in the future mankind will still be asking a similar but not identical question. Hopefully by then they will have a somewhat less cloudy perspective. But still in our time we should ask.<br />

 

[secure]

"...but boys will be boys." I love it!!

 

[dark_energy]

Even people who are animist are more in tune with nature than us. I don't think that it's an ancient error. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[worthj1970]

It beats the alternative.<br /><br />John W.

 

[a_lost_packet_]

<font color="yellow">dark_energy - I mean, what's the point of creating a universe with stars that act like actual organisms and life and the whole lot? Is there a plan to it? I don't get it. How come stars are born and die? What is the purpose? </font><br /><br />If you had that much stuff, where else would you put it?<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[kmarinas86]

purpose = a meaningful function<br /><br />Some do not believe that everything has a meaningful function. The idea that there is undone justice makes people believe that not everything has a purpose.<br /><br />Still-born babies.... what is purpose, the meaningful function, in that? <br /><br />meaningless = without a purpose; without meaningful functions

 

[kmarinas86]

<font color="yellow">That is not a valid argument.</font><br /><br />Everything has a function, but sometimes these functions mean nothing to some people. Such people believe that certain things, like the death of a loved one, are purposeless.

 

[a_lost_packet_]

<font color="yellow">kmar - Still-born babies.... what is purpose, the meaningful function, in that? </font><br /><br />The body rejecting a non-viable fetus that would otherwise cause major catastrophic infection/illness or, in the case of full-term; Some things just happen.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[kelle]

In the great whole nothing has a purpose. Humanity will live on Earth, perhaps spread out from Earth, and then at some time die (maybe we'll even die tomorrow <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />). And at some time the entire universe will "die". Everything we have done will be lost, and all we have done have been for nothing.<br /><br />The only thing that can be a kind of purpose is intelligence, though we don't know what exactly that is. If our minds are just automated computers there is really no point in living. And if we have some kind of soul that continues to live on after death... well, there is no point in that neither. The only point would be for the sake of the mind itself, and whether that is meaningless or meaningful, well... umm...<br /><br />Conclusion: the universe is a pointless, automated anomaly, let's get rid of it

 

[dark_energy]

You're a grouch, steve. Get some sleep. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[kelle]

Haha, stevehw33, grumpy as always <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[kelle]

What failed argument?

 

[dark_energy]

What's a hominem? Did you mean homonym? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[kmarinas86]

Steve is really COOL.<br /><br />Did I ad hominem <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> ?

 

[paintwoik]

The purpose of the universe is to define that which does not exist. The universe is the definition.

 

[a_lost_packet_]

In general regard to the thread:<br /><br />A long time ago, this "map" of the Universe came out in an issue of National Geographic. I was immediately enthralled by it. I found it very inspirational. In fact, it started my interest in physics, space and cosmology. I haven't ever been able to find a pic of this poster on the web. If anyone can find one, I'd be more than happy to do imaginary, online handstands for a link to it.<br /><br />My point: Look in the bottom right portion of this map. Then follow it through the various stages until you get to the "You are here" portion of the Universe. It's a small pic and hard to see. However, I still find it humbling.<br /><br />National Geographic Universe Map<br /><br />The Universe just "is." We live at 223 Backwater Rd, Apt 3. The totality of the experiences of our entire species, from inception to our eventual theoretical demise, can be enacted within a portion of the map that is a tenth of the size of a pin-head in relation to the size of the Universe.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

The interactive "zoom" feature is great! Thanks Ebura!<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[jmilsom]

I can't agree with you more. The information age may carry the seeds of our doom if we don't learn to or teach our children to deal with it intelligently. Who wants to watch the Science documentary channel, when you can have 24hours sport, MTV and trashy action movies. <br /><br />We have more information then ever before, yet all indications are that our education standards are declining. It is becoming increasingly difficult to review any subject with clarity and objectivity and we seem to be drowning in chaff. <br /><br />I used to live in Norway and was impressed that at University it is compulsory for all students to do one year of philosophy (including clear thinking and argument). This may be why the Scandinavian countries consistently top those comparative education assessment surveys. <br /><br />I read a lot of the political debate on Free Space during the election and was amazed at the amount of ad hominem in the threads. It is scary. Anyway, thanks for the book reference - I'll look that one up. Good books never age. The best book I think I have ever read on the English language for example, is a book from the 50s entitled "The English Language" by Simeon Potter. Unsurpassed. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[kelle]

<font color="yellow">I used to live in Norway and was impressed that at University it is compulsory for all students to do one year of philosophy (including clear thinking and argument).</font><br /><br />It's only half a year nowadays. I am almost finished with it, have only the exam left. (It's 11. December and I'm not looking forward to it <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />)

 

[nexium]

I have only studied Mormon philosophy and clear thinking. Other than stevehw, I have not found any source of clear thinking. If he is a prime example. I will continue to learn from my Church. Liberal "clear thinking" is a mass of confusion, and some conservative Republicans are also doubtful.