In this episode, I continue to assess the warrant for the first of the three premises of our Cosmological argument, this time around I start to lay out my case providing a third Abductive argument (i.e. inference to the best explanation) for proving that our Universe probably began to exist (as a matter of fact).
This show includes a detailed assessment of 2 aspects; Aspect 1 outlines 2 categories of scientific evidence related to origin of the universe- i) the thermodynamic properties of the universe in light of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and ii) the empirical and mathematical evidence associated with the expansion of the universe. Finally we start off Aspect 2 on proving the Universe beginning to exist a finite time ago is the best explanation by comparing it to various eternal cosmological models (including, the Steady State and Quasi Steady State model, the Oscillating "Big Bounce" models & the Gott-Li "closed Time-like curve" model. The remaining eternal cosmological models will be assessed in Part 3B.
