Is the universe ill-posed?

TL;DR

This paper explores the implications of ill-posed initial value problems in general relativistic cosmology, revealing a new 'zero universe' state with potential philosophical implications for creation.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a 'zero universe' arising from ill-posed initial conditions in cosmological models, highlighting a novel theoretical phenomenon.

Findings

Identification of a 'zero universe' with vanishing scale factor and derivative

Discussion of implications for universe creation theories

Analysis of ill-posedness in cosmological models

Abstract

We discuss an unusual consequence of the behaviour of general relativistic cosmological models when they initial value problem is not well-posed because of the lack of the local Lipschitz condition. A new type of 'zero universe' arises with vanishing scale factor, and its first time derivative, at all times. We discuss briefly some of the questions this raises about creation out of nothing.