Debate "Many Worlds" Theories

[Jessica]

This is how I've been thinking about it.
"Time" is infinite. Given infinite time, every single way that the Universe could possibly arrange itself will happen.
If time is infinite, then there really isn't such a thing as objective time.
So outside of a conscious observer saying this is the beginning, this is the end (of the universe, solar system, own lifetime, whatever) everything just simply IS.
I don't think of the concept of many worlds as being within the concept of time.

I have no absolute beliefs about it, and I'm very interested in anyone else's thoughts, from any perspective.

[Audiogen]

Many Worlds Theory follows the Schrödinger Equation, which is integral to Quantum Mechanics, and offers a solution where nothing extra needs to be added to the equation to explain how Quantum phenomena become Classical Objects. Particles behaving like waves have been observed, most notably, in the Double Slit Experiment. The Schrödinger Equation specifies qualities of wave functions or the probabilistic quantum state, and Many Worlds essentially suggests that those probabilities of the quantum State do not disappear to one state, rather they all become entangled with a version of reality causing the quantum decoherence and the universes to branch off from each other to create Many Worlds.


I haven't heard any interpretation of Quantum Mechanics that I'm particularly enamored with. Many Worlds seems to espouse a Platonist view of reality where Mathematics (wave function) is fundamental to reality rather than conceptual. The process by which entanglement and decoherence happen to create a new universe branch seem a bit arbitrary and I don't understand what prevents universes that have branched from each other from communicating, if the wave functions still persists after decoherence.

I have not considered Many Worlds in relation to time.

[neonspectraltoast]

That's an interesting idea, Jessica. Can't say I really grasp it.

As to audiogen, I don't get where the original universe is... I don't see why we would be it.

[Jessica]

don't worry, i won't get mad if you're mean about it, in this thread : )

[neonspectraltoast]

Maybe our very lives are a series of alternate universes.

[Audiogen]

Here's an interesting discussion that gets more into the weeds than the standard popsci documentary but is not overwhelming with academic stuff.


Sean Carroll: Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

[Dax]

The many-worlds interpretation implies that there are very many universes, perhaps infinitely many. We know so little about what we believe is the 'universe" in which our planet revolves, that to even attempt to comprehend or visualise others, is a pointless exercise. What is more likely is that earth is probably not the only inhabited planet in our universe. Best to concentrate on this and leave the many worlds interpretation to those who believe in quantum mechanics.

[Audiogen]

The many-worlds interpretation implies that there are very many universes, perhaps infinitely many. We know so little about what we believe is the 'universe" in which our planet revolves, that to even attempt to comprehend or visualise others, is a pointless exercise. What is more likely is that earth is probably not the only inhabited planet in our universe. Best to concentrate on this and leave the many worlds interpretation to those who believe in quantum mechanics.

Quantum Mechanics is an integral part to our Computers and phones which affects us daily, so I think it's worth exploring for that reason alone. However, An inhabited planet, particularly one with any sort of complex life form is almost assuredly an unfathomable distance away. The only way they could ever travel here is by utilizing some aspect of quantum mechanics that we don't understand yet.

[Jessica]

Many Worlds Theory follows the Schrödinger Equation, which is integral to Quantum Mechanics, and offers a solution where nothing extra needs to be added to the equation to explain how Quantum phenomena become Classical Objects. Particles behaving like waves have been observed, most notably, in the Double Slit Experiment. The Schrödinger Equation specifies qualities of wave functions or the probabilistic quantum state, and Many Worlds essentially suggests that those probabilities of the quantum State do not disappear to one state, rather they all become entangled with a version of reality causing the quantum decoherence and the universes to branch off from each other to create Many Worlds.


I haven't heard any interpretation of Quantum Mechanics that I'm particularly enamored with. Many Worlds seems to espouse a Platonist view of reality where Mathematics (wave function) is fundamental to reality rather than conceptual. The process by which entanglement and decoherence happen to create a new universe branch seem a bit arbitrary and I don't understand what prevents universes that have branched from each other from communicating, if the wave functions still persists after decoherence.

I have not considered Many Worlds in relation to time.

I only just thought about it recently, inspired by something someone was saying about the idea of past lives.

If it's true, that in an infinite time scale, one day it is a certainty that everything in the Universe will arrange into exactly this pattern again.. and I find it hard to comprehend or believe, but it's my understanding that that is the case? If anyone can correct or clarify, go ahead..
But then what does that mean?

I really don't understand QM enough to make the links between what I'm imagining, and what the theory says.. but it feels to me like.. if infinity means everything will eventually happen.. then worlds don't branch off and happen simultaneously within time, within time they happen one after the other. Ahhh i'm trying to finish this thought but it's too hard to explain. i don't really know what i'm talking about : )

[neonspectraltoast]

"Many Worlds Theory follows the Schrödinger Equation, which is integral to Quantum Mechanics, and offers a solution where nothing extra needs to be added to the equation to explain how Quantum phenomena become Classical Objects."

You can attach a nozzle to the end of a hose. That don't make it a sprinkler.

[Pete's Draggun]

Kinda off topic, but it kinda coincides with infinite time

Whenever I let my golden retrievers out at night I look up at the stars.

It never ceases to amaze me that the star twinkle that I just saw in a split second happened over 4 years ago.

So if I understand this chart correctly,
If the Beatlgeuse star goes supernova today...... my Leo spirit wouldn't see it until the year 2451, if there's even an Earth around to float around on..


Time it takes for light to travel to Earth

The Moon	1 1/3 sec
The Sun	8 minutes
Jupiter	35 to 52 minutes
Pluto	5 1/2 hours (on average)
Alpha Centauri (nearest star system)	4.3 years
Sirius (brightest star in our sky)	9 years
Betelgeuse (bright star)	430 years
Orion Nebula	1500 years
Andromeda Galaxy	2.5 million years

[neonspectraltoast]

The past is alive.