does Big Bang posit an OPEN interval of time?

[Ayatollah So]

In mathematics, a closed interval such as [0,1] includes its endpoints. An open or half-open interval excludes both or one endpoint: for example (0,1] includes all positive reals less than or equal to 1.

So, in Big Bang theory, is there such a time as time 0? Or do we only posit times when the universe has finite size and density?

Feel free to discuss any implications for theological arguments - at least until the mods may give me a spanking.

 

[GoodGame]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_Big_Bang#The_very_early_universe

I'd guess that it's undefined, since there are multiple theories for the intial state before the Big Bang. Cause of indefiniteness of the initial stated, I'd err on the side of the theory erring on the side of an open interval assumption.

If you check the outline, a ton of distinct periods happen in just the first second after the big bang. The first one (Planck Epoch) is about the fundamental forces of the universe, so I'd assume we'd need a proven Grand Unified Theory to extend Big Bang theory even closer to the initial state before the Big Bang.

Not a physicist. And I don't think theology really figures into cosmology; At least it's not providing any data.

 

[dutchfire]

Cosmology isn't one of my strong (or favourite) subjects, but I believe there are still quite a lot of different theories on the early universe, so until we know more about them (and about fundamental physics), we can't tell for sure.

 

[JonathanStrange]

Sort of like that last hour on the last day before summer vacation?

 

[Ammar]

Speaking strictly in the language of general relativity and not considering quantum fluctuations or other even more esoteric and general physical theories : yes.

 

[Ayatollah So]

And I don't think theology really figures into cosmology; At least it's not providing any data.

Me neither; it's (sometimes) the other way around. Sometimes theology is put forth as the best explanation of cosmological data.