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Originally Posted by LewisM
Exactly right, but in simple 2 dimensions (where we slice the sphere into a circle) it indeed WOULD have a centre, and it would have a radial edge - unless the "edge" kept expanding as you approach it, which again loops back into infinity. Which again stipulates that what is beyond this infinitely expanding sphere. And we are purportedly within this ever-expanding sphere, which implies we have a central point SOMEWHERE. And again, what beyond the limit of expansion, even if we consider this multi-universe within universe idea (which does make sense to me, but again creates more infinity issues). Lex parsimoniae!
I perceive the infinity of space/time a little differently to Hawkin's over-simplified ever-expanding bi-directional cones from a current space/time locus. I guess I disagree with his expansion exponent more than anything.
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Umm - nope can't agree there. This sphere idea I mentioned was an analogy, the idea is not that we are "inside" a sphere at all.
As I understand Hawking's model if you were to try to get to the "edge" of the universe (or the beginning for that matter) you would find it impossible - because it has properties
like the surface of a sphere - that is you will never find an edge - you can move in 3 dimensions plus time but there is no "outside" and no need for a beginning either. Of course this is a theory and my understanding of it is limited so my explanation may not help you grasp it but it works for me. There are other theories yes, but for now at least, there is little evidence for multiverses or more exotic theories. Studies of dark matter and dark energy might give us such evidence.