If time started because of the big bang happening then how could the big bang start because there was no time for the big bang to start?

The question of how the Big Bang could start without time existing beforehand is a classic conundrum in cosmology. It touches on fundamental issues regarding the nature of time and the origins of the universe. Here's a breakdown of the concepts involved:

Understanding Time and the Big Bang

1. Time as a Dimension: In modern physics, particularly in Einstein's theory of relativity, time is considered a dimension that is intertwined with the three spatial dimensions. This fabric of spacetime is dynamic and evolves with the universe.

2. The Big Bang Singularity: The Big Bang theory posits that the universe began from an infinitely hot and dense point called a singularity. At this point, the laws of physics as we know them break down, including our understanding of time.

3. Time Before the Big Bang: The concept of "before" the Big Bang is problematic because time itself is thought to have begun with the Big Bang. This means there was no "before" in the conventional sense. The laws of physics, including time, emerged from the singularity.

The Paradox of Time's Origin

The paradox arises because our understanding of causality and sequence relies on time. If time began with the Big Bang, then it seems illogical to discuss what happened "before" it. However, this is where our language and intuition fail us, as they are based on experiences within the universe after its beginning.

Resolving the Paradox

Several approaches attempt to resolve this paradox:

• Inflationary Theory: This theory suggests that the universe underwent a rapid expansion phase early on, which could potentially explain how the universe's uniformity arose without requiring a singularity. However, it doesn't directly address the issue of time's origin23.

• Eternal Universe Models: Some models propose that the universe is eternal, either through cycles of expansion and contraction or through eternal inflation, where our universe is just one bubble in a vast multiverse. These models suggest that time might not have a beginning in the conventional sense4.

• Quantum Cosmology: This area of research explores how quantum mechanics might apply to the universe's origins, potentially allowing for scenarios where time emerges from a quantum state rather than a classical singularity.

In summary, the Big Bang marks the beginning of time as we understand it, and discussing what happened "before" it is challenging because our language and concepts of causality rely on time. The paradox highlights the limitations of our current understanding and the need for further theoretical development.