Name: Why does the universe exist?
Uploaded: 2014-09-02T15:02:17Z
Duration: 17 min 7 s
Description: Why is there something instead of nothing? In other words: Why does the universe exist (and why are we in it)? Philosopher and writer Jim Holt follows this question toward three possible answers. Or four. Or none.

Why is there something instead of nothing? In other words: Why does the universe exist (and why are we in it)? Philosopher and writer Jim Holt follows this question toward three possible answers. Or four. Or none.

Why does the universe exist?

The quest to understand why there is something rather than nothing has fascinated philosophers and scientists alike, from Schopenhauer to Stephen Hawking. Rather than a universe created by a deity or purely by mathematical elegance, evidence suggests we inhabit a chaotic, imperfect cosmos—more like a cosmic junk shot than a finely tuned masterpiece. Observations from Antarctic telescopes support the inflationary theory, predicting a vast universe filled mostly with randomness, not purpose. In this view, existence is less a grand design and more a lucky outcome in a sea of cosmic possibilities.