Hi Reeve:
I thoroughly enjoyed your interesting essay.
Based on arguments and results presented in my paper - -" From Absurd to Elegant Universe", it is shown that the current cosmological models are inconsistent and paralyzed by several paradoxes including the two described in your paper due to the missing fundamental physics. The first paradox - "If the universe is finite, what caused it?" is caused by the Big Bang singularity resulting from the assumption of an absolute beginning of time t=0. Similarly, the second paradox - "It should not be possible to deduce time-asymmetrical effects from time-symmetrical laws. This specifically refers to the "second law of thermodynamics" which is sometimes called the 'arrow of time" is also an artifact of the assumption of an absolute cosmic time or clock that does not exist in the universe.
It is shown in my paper that the observed universe and galactic expansion can be successfully predicted without any explicit consideration of time in the cosmological model.
My paper provides a new fundamental understanding of the Cosmological Constant and relativistic universe expansion as an alternative to the widely accepted linear Hubble expansion. The current paradoxes and inconsistencies are shown to be artifacts of the missing (hidden) physics of the well-known phenomenon of spontaneous decay. A new Gravity Nullification Model for Universe Expansion (GNMUE) is proposed that integrates the missing physics of the spontaneous mass-energy conversion into a simplified form of general relativity. The model predicts the observed expansion of the universe and galaxies and other data. The model provides answers to key fundamental questions and resolves paradoxes among general relativity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology. It also bridges the gap between quantum mechanics and relativity theories via revealing relativistic understanding of the inner workings of quantum mechanics. The impact of the new understanding on widely-accepted fundamental assumptions is discussed and a new wholesome perspective on reality is provided.
I would greatly appreciate your comments on my paper.
Best Regards
Avtar Singh