Exploring the Universe's Beginning: From Big Bang to Inflation Theory

The chapter delves into the historical perspectives on the universe's beginning, from the finite in time concept to the Big Bang theory, and how observational evidence supported cosmology. It transitions into discussing inflation theory, its implications on the universe's age, and the concept of inflation leading to a potential steady state model. The chapter also touches on equilibrium in the universe, cosmic acceleration theory, quantum fluctuations initiating the universe's formation, and features a conversation on the universe's beginning from theological and scientific viewpoints.