07/27/2012
New York Times, March 23, 2012
Review of A Universe From Nothing by Lawrence Krauss
Author (Albert) reviews a cosmology book by Krauss and disputes that it actually does explain why there is something rather than nothing. Apparently Krauss claims the laws of quantum physics explain why there isn't nothing. The first question author asks is where the laws of quantum mechanics come from-- what makes them true and laws of nature-- and why those laws are the way they are. Furthermore, author argues that even quantum fields need to be explained as to why they even exist too, a feat Krauss does not do.
The explanation for why Krauss thought that his cosmological explanation was superior to previous ones was that quantum fields can theoretically be arranged to reflect a "vacuum" state, in other words, be 'nothing' (in terms of particles). Thus the arrangement of quantum fields can produce no particles, which could be considered "nothing". Author points out the problem that this misses the point: the quantum fields are the elementary physical stuffs, true "nothing" would be the absence of those fields.
Finally, there is the Krauss' objection that this is changing the game or "moving the goal posts" because "nothing" as it has been traditionally understood meant "no particles", and he has explained how particles can arise from a no-particle state (of quantum fields). Author just replies that this just goes to show that we now know better that the fundamental make-up of the universe are not particles but fields. It isn't the endgame Krauss is assuming he has, and furthermore, author chides Krauss for thinking of the dialectic in cosmology as some sort of game.
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