Past Present Future The History of Bad Ideas: Steady State Theory
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Dec 1, 2024 In this discussion, astrophysicist Chris Lintott unpacks the fascinating Steady State Theory, a rival to the Big Bang model that gained traction in the mid-20th century. He examines why famed advocate Fred Hoyle was so devoted to it and how it challenged the limitations of the Big Bang theory. Lintott also delves into the philosophical implications and the human tendency to cling to ideas despite contradicting evidence. Listeners are treated to a thought-provoking look at scientific hubris and the ever-evolving nature of cosmological understanding.
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Expansion, Not Origin
- The central question in early 20th-century cosmology was the universe's expansion, not its origins.
- Rival theories, Big Bang and Steady State, sought to explain this expansion.
Big Bang's Name
- Fred Hoyle coined the term "Big Bang" to deride the opposing theory.
- He viewed the Big Bang's "something from nothing" concept as scientifically and philosophically unsatisfactory.
Continuous Creation
- Steady State theory proposed continuous creation of matter to maintain a constant universe despite expansion.
- Hoyle saw this as a modest creation rate, about one hydrogen atom per skyscraper per year.