Why not nothing?

Leo Apostel

pp. 17-49

in: Diederik Aerts, Hubert Van Belle, Jan Van Der Veken (eds), World views and the problem of synthesis, Berlin, Springer, 1999

Abstract

"Why" questions (which express a need to find explanations) are asked in countless situations. Why were there patches of mist in the early universe? Why did the Roman Empire decline and fall? Why do bees prefer a hexagonal honeycomb? Why did the scientific revolution take place in Europe? Why do physical constants have the values they do?