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Action principles in nature

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Abstract

Physical theories have their most fundamental expression as action integrals. This suggests that the total action of the Universe is the most fundamental physical quantity, and hence finite. In this article it is argued that finite universal action implies that the Universe is spatially closed. Further, the possible spatial topologies, the types of matter that can dominate the early universe dynamics, and the form of any quadratic additions to the lagrangian of general relativity are constrained. Initial and final cosmological curvature singularities are required to avoid a universal action singularity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Astronomy Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK

    John D. Barrow

  2. Department of Mathematics and Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118, USA

    Frank J. Tipler

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  1. John D. Barrow
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  2. Frank J. Tipler
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Barrow, J., Tipler, F. Action principles in nature. Nature 331, 31–34 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/331031a0

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