The Finite Cosmos: Uniting Science and Philosophy

Modern research reveals an exciting world where science and philosophy converge in the search for answers to the eternal question about the nature of the Universe. On one hand, scientific models based on the theory of relativity demonstrate that the emergence of space and time is linked to a cosmic explosion, which indicates the beginning of all existence. The application of the second law of thermodynamics further suggests that the Universe, considered as a closed system, is inevitably progressing toward thermal death—an equilibrium state where energy is uniformly distributed and further changes become impossible. These conclusions convincingly show that if matter had existed eternally, it would have already reached a state of energetic stability, a scenario that observational facts do not support.

On the other hand, philosophy, which examines the dynamic transformation of being, emphasizes that the notion of infinite thought cannot be reconciled with the constant flow of changes inherent in the nature of matter. The perpetual motion and continuous transformation in the world also indicate its finiteness, allowing one to view finite existence as an integral part of the broader vision of being. Thus, philosophical reflections on the ideal of wholeness and mutability find affirmation in scientific theories, creating a comprehensive picture of the Universe’s evolution.

In the end, the modern view of the world represents a synthesis of scientific evidence and philosophical reasoning, where the finiteness of the Universe appears not as a limitation, but as an expression of the natural order of dynamic processes that govern the beginning and development of all that exists.

Is there an end to the Universe, and what scientific or philosophical approaches help us justify this question?

The answer to your question can be considered from two perspectives—scientific and philosophical.

From the scientific standpoint, modern research indicates that the Universe has a finite existence, determined by the laws of physics. For instance, according to relativistic models, if space and time are described by the equations of the theory of relativity, they must have originated as a result of a cosmic explosion, signifying a beginning of time and, consequently, a finite development of the Universe ("For example, the stationary state models were based on... This theorem showed that, if the theory of relativity is correct for the Universe, then, under very general conditions, space and time must have arisen in the same cosmic explosion..." (source: link , page: 218)). Furthermore, applying the second law of thermodynamics leads to the conclusion that a closed Universe is destined to approach thermal equilibrium, where energy distribution becomes uniform—a phenomenon known as the “thermal death of the Universe.” This approach is supported by several works stating that if the Universe is a closed system, its finite lifespan is inevitable ("The thermal death of the Universe. The application of the second law of thermodynamics to the entire Universe... unequivocally leads us to the conclusion about the finite lifespan of the Universe." (source: link , page: 78); and further detailed in other excerpts from the same source: "And in general, the second law of thermodynamics requires that in a closed system, disorder will steadily increase..." (source: link , page: 168) and "The question is merely whether the Universe is a closed system..." (source: link , page: 171)). Moreover, if matter had existed forever, it would have already reached a state of complete energetic equilibrium; however, current observations do not confirm such a scenario, thereby supporting its finiteness ("Matter in the Universe will combine and coalesce... And we say: the world is finite and has a beginning." (source: link , page: 419–420); and "However, the idea of an eternal Universe cannot be substantiated because the Universe is slowly approaching thermal death..." (source: link , page: 17)).

The philosophical approach, on the other hand, is based on the idea that an infinite Universe is incompatible with the continual change and dynamism of being. If the Universe were eternal, matter would have long since reached a final, unchanging state; yet, the constant change and motion point to its finiteness and the presence of a beginning. Philosophical thought seeks to understand the ideal of the wholeness of existence, where the finiteness of the world is seen not only as a scientific fact but also as part of a broader vision of being ("The task of philosophy is to possibly achieve a concrete understanding of the ideal and to indicate the path to its realization..." (source: link , page: 2781)).

Thus, both scientific methods (through relativistic models and thermodynamic laws) and philosophical reasoning lead to the conclusion that the Universe is neither eternal nor infinite, but has its beginning and, consequently, a finite existence.

Supporting citation(s):
"For example, the stationary state models were based on... This theorem showed that, if the theory of relativity is correct for the Universe, then, under very general conditions, space and time must have arisen in the same cosmic explosion..." (source: link , page: 218)
"The thermal death of the Universe. The application of the second law of thermodynamics to the entire Universe... unequivocally leads us to the conclusion about the finite lifespan of the Universe." (source: link , page: 78)
"And in general, the second law of thermodynamics requires that in a closed system, disorder will steadily increase. ... If the Universe is a closed system, then sooner or later, equilibrium will be reached..." (source: link , page: 168)
"The question is merely whether the Universe is a closed system... But if neither this nor that scenario occurs for the real Universe, ... then thermal death is inevitable for such a Universe." (source: link , page: 171)
"Matter in the Universe will combine and coalesce, ... And we say: the world is finite and has a beginning." (source: link , page: 419)
"Now the question arises: why then, if matter has existed eternally, has it not reached its final state... And we say: the world is finite and has a beginning." (source: link , page: 420)
"However, the idea of an eternal Universe cannot be substantiated because the Universe is slowly approaching thermal death..." (source: link , page: 17)
"The task of philosophy is to possibly achieve a concrete understanding of the ideal and to indicate the path to its realization. ..." (source: link , page: 2781)