Nothingness

An open question in the early part of the book is whether the idea of nothingness even makes sense.

The Universe

The total physical and mental reality that is covered by present scientific theory, separate from other possible universes.

The Multiverse

The term that covers the complete set of possible universes. Many of Holt's interviewees both believe in the multiverse and think that the presence of one helps to answer Holt's question.

Paris

This is the French capital city where Holt spends a lot of his philosophical time.

Theism

This is the most common explanation for the existence of the universe, namely the view that there exists a being known as God that is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-good and the creator of the universe.

Platonism

According to Holt, the ancient Greek philosopher believed that the universe emanated from "the form of the good" or the very idea of...