Chapter 6

Hawking and the Universe

Manuel M. Carreira S.J.

Abstract

First, the limits of Science, Philosophy and Theology, and the proper methodologies of each field of knowledge must he recalled in order to speak meaningfully of material reality, living or non-living. The existence of infinite universes as the theoretical reason why Einstein’s cosmological constant is so close to zero is impossible to verify for those other universes. Eddington, Dicke, Carter, Barrow, Wheeler and Hawking himself have underlined the need for most precise values of the different cosmic parameters (Anthropic Principle). Finality is a metaphysical problem when we speak of the Universe and to deny it leaves us with an absurd. We should admit that there is no scientific answer as yet for any of the important questions posed by biology. “The Emperor’s New Mind” of artificial intelligence is a fraud, as pointed out by Penrose. In “The Great Design”, their authors present the multiplicity of undetectable universes (than appear out of “nothing”) as the explanation of the fact that the one we detect is suitable for life. No Science can predict what I will do next minute. Neither can it predict the free activity of the Creator who holds the Universe in existence.

Total Pages: 33-40 (8)

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