"A Universe From Nothing" - Lawrence Krauss

[BlackLight]

I've watched Krauss deliver this lecture on two separate Youtube videos, and when I get the time, I'm planning to sit down and watch his debate with William Lane Craig in the next couple of days, hoping that will further illuminate the ideas he presents.

What I'm actually looking for his a primer or a starter text (or other media) that will help me bridge the accessibility gap to understanding exactly what it Krauss is saying (beyond his conclusions). I can buy into Krauss's conclusions without understanding the arguments and data leading to them, but I'd rather not. Krauss is delivering his lectures to audience with at least some background in theoretical physics and/or quantum theory, and I have virtually none.

 

[Squawk]

have a go with Brian Green's The Elegant Universe. That's the first book I read on the subject, and while much of it is pretty advanced (and somewhat over my head, buggered if I can think of rolled up dimensions), the basic info is in there and reasonably easy to digest.

 

[Inferno]

Any of Hawking's books, they're fairly easy to understand.

 

[borrofburi]

I'm planning to sit down and watch his debate with William Lane Craig in the next couple of days, hoping that will further illuminate the ideas he presents.

I've been told that he did not do terribly well in that debate.

 

[BlackLight]

I've been told that he did not do terribly well in that debate.

Wouldn't surprise me. Craig is presenting a flawed and flimsy argument, but he's a solid orator, and for some reason, people seem to have trouble debating him. Even Hitchens couldn't deliver his typical "blow the doors off" performance when he debated Craig.

 

[Gunboat Diplomat]

What I'm actually looking for his a primer or a starter text (or other media) that will help me bridge the accessibility gap to understanding exactly what it Krauss is saying (beyond his conclusions). I can buy into Krauss's conclusions without understanding the arguments and data leading to them, but I'd rather not. Krauss is delivering his lectures to audience with at least some background in theoretical physics and/or quantum theory, and I have virtually none.

In all honesty, those lectures were made for the layperson so no research is necessary. For the most part, he explains the arguments and data leading up to his conclusions in his talk (otherwise, what the hell was he going to talk about for the whole hour?). If you are confused by anything he says or want further explanation, you can ask about it here. I don't make a habit of advertising other forums but if you want some really good answers, you might want to ask in this forum.

 

[Balstrome]

One thing about "A Universe From Nothing", is no one dares ask who made the virtual particles appear in the first place, aka "No missed communication".