Stephen Hawking: Asking big questions about the universe

Uploaded By:
TEDtalksDirector

Save & Share

Tags: Evolution Hawking math physics Science Stephen ted tedtalks Universe

Find more videos in the "Tech" category

Want to embed this video on your blog or e-mail it to a friend? Scroll down for tools.

http://www.ted.com In keeping with the theme of TED2008, professor Stephen Hawking asks some Big Questions about our universe -- How did the universe begin? How did life begin? Are we alone? -- and discusses how we might go about answering them.

See more videos uploaded by TEDtalksDirector

Related Videos

Origins of the Universe - Stephen Hawking (5 of 5)	Origins of the Universe - Stephen Hawking (3 of 5)	Origins of the Universe - Stephen Hawking (4 of 5)

Stephen Hawking - Campus Party speech (2006)	Does Stephen Hawking believe in God? No.	Tour the universe

Comments for this video: Show || Hide

Comments for this video on YouTube

Are you typing in ... ( 4 days ago by themacgenius89)

Are you typing in English?

When Stephen speaks ... ( 4 days ago by newcor34)

When Stephen speaks of the Big Bang, note he did say that Science originall thought the universe was static. This was totally against the Bible. But now the Big Bang has changed that. There was a beginning. Also The Big Bang itself was credited to A Catholic Priest and Scientist, Georges Lemaitre in spite of Einstein and others saying his Science was abominable. Lemaitres Big Bang was proven, the Universe is expanding and speeding up. That another one for Genesis among many recently proven.

The Universe is ... ( 4 days ago by newcor34)

The Universe is expanding not static, was told in the Bible also various times
Isa 40:22-THAT STRETCHETH OUT THE HEAVENS AS A CURTAIN.
Isa 45:12-I, EVEN MY HANDS, HAVE STRETCHED OUT THE HEAVENS, AND ALL THEIR HOST HAVE I COMMANDED. Zech 12:1-THE LORD, WHICH STRETCHETH FORTH THE HEAVENS. Job 9:8-WHICH ALONE SPREADETH OUT THE HEAVENS. Isa 40:22-IT IS HE THAT...SPREADETH THEM (the heavens) OUT AS A TENT TO DWELL IN

Yes, Georges ... ( 4 days ago by BigEnos001)

Yes, Georges Lemaitre was a catholic priest. However, he was also a mathematician and physicist and it is those scientific disciplines that led him to propose the big bang from observations indicating that the universe is expanding. If you wish to draw parallels with 'Genesis', that's your preference of course. However, it must be noted that Lemaitre was a pioneer in applying Einstein's theory of general relativity to cosmology, not in deriving accepted scientific theories from religious texts.

Well actually, all ... ( 4 days ago by BigEnos001)

Well actually, all those quotes can easily be interpreted as 'god' spread out the universe to a certain size which it then remained rather than continuing to expand. A tent or a curtain for example do not keep on expanding once erected or drawn to their full extent. You may obviously infer differently though as it is just vague enough to allow personal interpretation. It is preferable for theists to embrace science rather than ignore it though,so fill your boots.

It is genuinely a ... ( 4 days ago by BigEnos001)

It is genuinely a good thing newcor34 that you have referenced Lemaitre. He was a theist that clearly not only understood that science and religion are not exclusively mutual or mortal enemies as many theists have suggested in their posts here, but that for him, his metaphysical beliefs were insufficient to understand the nature of the physical universe. You don't become a professor of mathematics and physics without a lot of respect for scientific methodology. A lesson worth learning.

BigEnos001 said " ... ( 4 days ago by newcor34)

BigEnos001 said "Lemaitre was a pioneer in applying Einsteins theory of general relativity to cosmology,not in deriving accepted scientific theories from religious texts" Lemaitre derived his theory because he knew Genesis was accurate and Einstein was wrong in his static universe, Einstein then modified his theory to, the universe is expanding but slowing, wrong again by the Bible or Lemaitres math. The universe is speeding up and Lemaitres Cosmic egg (the Big Bang)is also now accepted.

BigEnos001, Also ... ( 4 days ago by newcor34)

BigEnos001, Also note that Georges Lemaitre was given credit for Hubbles Law, because he had the theory years before Hubble, and it was actually a part of Lemaitres Cosmic Egg, which is known as the Big Bang. Lemaitre also did his own math, something Einstein could not. Also note Einsteins relativity may be in jeopardy because its found that the speed of light was not always constant, and or in some cases not constant.

BigEnos001 " ... ( 4 days ago by newcor34)

BigEnos001 " Lemaitre. He was a theist and science and religion mix" Many falsely believe that Science and Religion clash. Thats totally berserk. The Catholic Church alone has a Pontifical Academy of Sciences and many of the members are nobel prize winners, including Stephen Hawkings as in this video who is a lifetime member. The academy is celebrating 400 years, does that sound like Science and Religion are enemies.?

BigEnos001 said "A ... ( 4 days ago by newcor34)

BigEnos001 said "A tent or a curtain for example do not keep on expanding once erected or drawn to their full extent" Your analogy is flawed, as the universe is not a solid like a curtain. It can expand forever and the universe is now seen more like a curtain in many theories, and not completely flat, just as the Bible. And revelations says "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Curtain and tent ... ( 4 days ago by BigEnos001)

Curtain and tent were the analogies in your bible quote and not my analogies. I know that science and religion are not enemies which is why I applauded you for highlighting the fact through Lemaitre, was that not clear? Many theists who have posted here or respond to Richard Dawkins videos for example, clearly believe science to be opposed to religion though. I respect Lemaitre and accept Einstein was flawed like the rest of us so there's no need to compare their relative virtues for my benefit.

We can debate ... ( 4 days ago by BigEnos001)

We can debate science and religion until the cows come home, but the short version is that you are a theist so you by default see god as the creator of the universe and obviously the bible as an accurate representation of that god. I'm not a theist and so don't accept either of those premises as being particularly convincing. All I can say is that I have no particular antipathy for your beliefs and they in no way threaten mine so I wish you well.

BigEnos001 "point ... ( 4 days ago by newcor34)

BigEnos001 "point taken" Also You said "All I can say is that I have no particular antipathy for your beliefs and they in no way threaten mine so I wish you well" Its refreshing to note that you do not feel threatened or hate Christians as some Atheists do. So in fact we have no need for animosity as I feel the same. As long as believers and non believers do not threaten each other, there is need for dispute, we have our freedom to choose. and I wish you well also. You made my day, thanks

Actually he has ... ( 4 days ago by NeatoBandito55)

Actually he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Legend!! ( 3 days ago by ccourt3)

Legend!!

whats wrong with ... ( 3 days ago by yoyey)

whats wrong with that old man is he the one talking he remains me of the character of the simpsons a guy in a wheelchair and he talk through a machine. thats crazy

thats because that ... ( 2 days ago by alexl36)

thats because that is him in the simpsons.

Array ( 2 days ago by GodSaveThePres)

2012 -
Beginning Age Of Enlightenment - Visit my channel

He has a deasise ... ( 2 days ago by KOHIO91)

He has a deasise that made him incapable of moving or talking. He is one of the worlds leading scientists. He uses a computer to talk. I'm not exactly positive on how it works.

Can someone explain ... ( 2 days ago by ZoloftSmoothie)

Can someone explain further explain how time behaving as another dimension of space can trigger the creation of the universe? He didn't really explain that part.

He has Lou Gehrig ... ( 2 days ago by ZoloftSmoothie)

He has Lou Gehrig disease. The computer captures his eye movements

does anyone know ... ( 1 day ago by doobiesnax)

does anyone know what Steven Hawking's thoughts are on the year 2012 and whatever possibilities exist of the mayan and incan prophecies of a giant meteor pummeling the earth and destroying all the civilizations prior to us, leaving only bones of dinosaurs and mayan villages and greece and the possibility of the lost city of atlantis?

Stephen Hawking ... ( 1 day ago by nojameson)

Stephen Hawking does not waste his time thinking about such utter bollocks.

its called lou ... ( 3 hours ago by fuzzopolis)

its called lou gehrig's..and the word is spelt DISEASE

Tell a friend: