by Ian Caithness

Created on: August 28, 2007

The Universe, a concept that has been under examination across the world for centuries, there is no true definition of this mass which we all live within. Scientists continue to study the universe, probing into the darkness of the skies, examining stars and planets in a search for an answer to a question which has not been asked whilst philosophers continue to discuss the plausibility of an infinite universe, the existence of extra-terrestrial lifeforms and whether the universe truly exists or if it is a concept of our minds.

What concept of the Universe that is in question; the size of the Universe is said to be greater than that which we could comprehend and it is said that it is expanding and thus a figure could not be created, the Universe is said to hold millions upon millions of stars which have little relevance except to offer light and guidance during the night but the stars seem to have a far greater meaning to some; the stars are a symbol of hope to Christian, the north star is a sign of guidance and protection whilst others believe it is no more than the decoration upon the black canvas of life.

There is little understanding of the questions that philosophers continue to ask, in truth, the question has long since been forgotten and arguments continue to fall upon deaf ears as society advances and becomes ignorant to the facts of life that scientists are studying. One question that has continued to linger in the air between scientists and philosophers is whether the Universe is infinite or if the Universe will implode upon itself and fall into in-existence. What arguments could each present that would have some meaning to those who wander the streets, blissfully unaware of the study and research that continues in laboratories and rooms?

Scientists have continued to remind us that the sun is expanding in its size, we have been told that the sun will expand to such a size that it will consume the Earth in its quest for energy for its short life but does that mean that the Universe is finite? We are but one small piece of the jigsaw puzzle and scientists have provided no answers to this question. Perhaps it is philosophers that we should look towards for answers, the ones who question reality and discuss what would be seen as impossible.

One man once discussed that we must first understand whether the past is infinite; the past is the choice which we are presented, the present in the choice we make and the future is the reaction to that choice and thus, if we consider that if the choice no longer exists, life can no longer exist, it seems evident that the Universe must be infinite for the past to remain infinite. Still, philosophers have continued to state that the Universe might be infinite, perhaps it is not and thus we still remained clueless.

Is that what the Universe is? Unexplainable and having no meaning in our lives except for the continuation of our existence? If we do not understand it, how is it that we can continue to argue the finer details. The Universe, as I see it, is indescribable and will remain so until we learn the answers to the questions we impose upon scientists and philosophers.

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