Within Reason #115 Phil Halper & Niayesh Afshordi - What Came Before The Big Bang?
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Aug 4, 2025 
Niayesh Afshordi, a physics professor at the University of Waterloo, and Phil Halper, a science communicator and space photographer, dive into cosmic origins. They unravel misconceptions about the Big Bang, arguing it’s not the start of time but an evolution from a hot state. The duo discusses cosmic inflation’s role, likening it to a growing cake, and explores intriguing ideas about a multiverse. They also challenge notions of time and infinity, urging listeners to rethink everything about the universe's beginnings and the interplay between science and faith.
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Big Bang: Hot State, Not Beginning
- The Big Bang commonly refers to the universe evolving from a hot, dense state, not necessarily the start of time.
- The singularity concept where time begins is debated and likely incorrect, with most physicists supporting a pre-existing state before the Big Bang.
Accidental Discovery of Cosmic Background
- Penzias and Wilson discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation by accident at Bell Labs.
- This serendipitous finding was key evidence supporting the Big Bang and involved cooperation with nearby scientists purposely searching for it.
Singularity Theorems' Flawed Assumptions
- The Penrose-Hawking singularity theorems assume always attractive gravity and no time loops, assumptions now known to fail.
- Quantum mechanics and gravity need a unifying theory to accurately describe the universe near the Big Bang, so the singularity may never have actually existed.