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The question of why the universe exists rather than not exists has puzzled humans for millennia. Early Greek philosophers like Parmenides, Plato, and Aristotle speculated about the origins and nature of the universe. However, it was only with the rise of modern science in the 17th century that the question was addressed more systematically and rigorously.

Early science

One of the earliest scientists to study the universe’s existence was Isaac Newton, who formulated his laws of motion and gravity in the 17th century. Newton believed in a mechanistic universe that followed strict rules of nature, and he saw the universe as a vast machine that ran according to these laws. He argued that the universe must have had a beginning and speculated that a divine being created it.

Isaac Newton was a complex figure who lived during a time when religion and science were deeply intertwined. While he is often referred to as a devout Christian, his beliefs were somewhat unorthodox, and he was known to have been interested in alchemy and other esoteric subjects. Newton was a member of the Anglican Church and was said to have taken his religious beliefs very seriously. However, he was also known to have questioned certain aspects of the faith, particularly the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Ultimately, it is difficult to say whether or not Newton was “religious” in the modern sense of the term. However, his beliefs were deeply influenced by the theological debates of his time and the scientific discoveries that he made.

20th century science

In the 20th century, astronomers and physicists began to make significant breakthroughs in understanding the nature and origins of the universe. One of the most notable was the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, which provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory of the universe’s origins. The Big Bang theory holds that the universe began as a hot, dense, and infinitely small point, expanding and cooling ever since.

One of the key figures in developing the Big Bang theory was the Belgian astronomer Georges Lemaître, who first proposed the idea in 1927. Lemaître was a devoted Christian who also had a degree in mathematics and physics, and he believed that the universe had a definite beginning in time. His theory was initially met with skepticism, but it gained wider acceptance after discovering cosmic microwave background radiation in 1964.

Lemaître was a Catholic priest who remained active in his religious faith. Lemaître believed that his scientific discoveries provided evidence of the existence of a Creator, and he saw the Big Bang theory as evidence of the biblical creation story. However, he also believed that religion and science could coexist and complement each other, and he saw no conflict between his scientific work and his religious beliefs.

Another important figure in the study of the universe’s existence was the American astronomer Edwin Hubble, who made the groundbreaking discovery that the universe was expanding. Hubble’s observations of distant galaxies showed that they were all moving away from each other, suggesting that the universe had a definite beginning in time. Hubble’s work supported the Big Bang theory and helped establish the field of observational cosmology.

Edwin Hubble was not particularly religious. While not much information is available about Hubble’s personal beliefs, he did not express any overtly religious views in his writings or public statements. Hubble was known for his empirical and observational approach to science and focused on studying the natural world through rigorous scientific investigation. Hubble was a private believer, but religious beliefs did not influence his scientific work, and he did not publicly advocate for any particular religion or religious viewpoint.

Contemporary science

In recent years, cosmologists and physicists have continued to study the universe’s origins and nature using various tools and techniques. The discovery of dark matter and energy has added complexity to our understanding of the universe. Scientists continue searching for answers to some of the biggest questions in cosmology, such as the universe’s ultimate fate.

Among the contemporary scientists and astronomers working on the universe’s existence are Brian Greene, Stephen Hawking, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lisa Randall, and Max Tegmark. Each of these scientists has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe and its origins, and their work continues to shape the field of cosmology today.

Philosophical sidenote

Several compelling philosophical arguments suggest that the universe must exist:

One such argument is the cosmological argument, which posits that the universe must have a cause or explanation for its existence. According to this argument, everything has a reason; since the universe exists, it must have a cause. This cause is often considered God or another supernatural entity that created the universe ex nihilo (out of nothing). While this argument is often associated with religious beliefs, it has been developed and defended by many philosophers and theologians over the centuries.

Another argument for the universe’s existence is the anthropic principle, which suggests that the universe must exist because it is finely tuned to support life. This principle argues that the universe has a set of physical constants and laws precisely calibrated to allow for the emergence and evolution of complex life forms like humans. If any of these constants or laws were slightly different, life as we know it would not be possible. Therefore, the fact that the universe exists and supports life proves that it must have been designed or fine-tuned.

A third argument for the existence of the universe is the ontological argument, which suggests that the concept of a perfect being implies the existence of that being. This argument asserts that if we can conceive of a perfect being, then that being must exist since reality is a necessary aspect of perfection. While this argument is often used to argue for the existence of God, it can also be applied to the universe itself. If we conceive of the universe as perfect in some way, then its existence must be necessary.

Back to hardcore astronomy

Philosophy and religion aside, astronomy provides several compelling arguments for the universe’s existence:

First, astronomers have observed the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is thought to be the residual radiation left over from the Big Bang. This radiation proves that the universe had a beginning and therefore exists. The cosmic microwave background radiation is consistent with the predictions made by the Big Bang theory, which is one of the most widely accepted models for the universe’s origins.

Second, the redshift in light from distant galaxies provides further evidence for the universe’s expansion. This observation suggests that the universe is not static but expanding, which supports the idea that it had a beginning.

Third, the observed abundance of light elements, such as helium and hydrogen, supports the Big Bang theory and provides evidence for the universe’s existence. According to the Big Bang theory, these elements were produced during the first few minutes of the universe’s existence.

Fourth, the existence of dark matter and dark energy provides indirect evidence for the universe’s existence. These mysterious substances are thought to make up most of the universe’s mass and energy, and their presence is inferred from their gravitational effects on visible matter. Their existence suggests that there is much more to the universe than what we can directly observe.

The question of why the universe exists rather than not exists has been a subject of human inquiry for centuries. Early Greek philosophers speculated about the origins and nature of the universe. However, it was not until the rise of modern science that the question began to be addressed more systematically and rigorously. Scientists like Isaac Newton, Georges Lemaître, and Edwin Hubble contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe’s existence. Contemporary scientists like Brian Greene, Stephen Hawking, and Lisa Randall continue pushing our knowledge’s boundaries.

Despite the progress that has been made, however, many mysteries remain, and scientists will undoubtedly continue to study the universe’s existence for generations to come.

Q.E.D.

The fact that anybody can read this article proves that somebody must exist. The reader is a small part of the universe. Therefore, we have shown that at least parts of the universe must exist by necessity.