The nature of the universe's extent—whether finite or infinite—has far-reaching implications across cosmology, philosophy, and decision theory. Current models often make conflicting assumptions about this fundamental question, leading to inconsistencies in how we approach probability, existence, and the distribution of matter. This gap affects everything from anthropic reasoning to practical decision-making frameworks.

Bridging cosmology and philosophy

One way to address this gap could involve a systematic investigation with three key components. First, a review of cosmological literature could clarify why many physicists assume an infinite universe, examining both theoretical arguments and empirical evidence like the universe's observed flatness. Second, this physical understanding could then inform philosophical analysis, particularly regarding how different infinity assumptions affect arguments about particle distributions and anthropic reasoning. Finally, synthesizing these insights might create a more coherent framework for decision-making in contexts where cosmological assumptions matter.

Practical applications and execution

Such an investigation could benefit multiple groups. Philosophers and decision theorists might gain clearer cosmological priors for their models, while science communicators could develop better explanations of these complex ideas for general audiences. The work might proceed through several phases:

• A literature review of key cosmology papers and existing philosophical work
• Analysis of how different infinity assumptions affect various models
• Synthesis of findings into accessible frameworks and explanations

While primarily academic, this work could have practical applications in education and long-term decision-making. Its value would lie in bridging typically siloed disciplines—connecting current cosmological understanding with its philosophical implications in a way that hasn't been systematically attempted before.