On the many-worlds interpretation

[flyzeggs]

I've read mostly non-mathematical accounts of this interpretation so forgive me if I'm not making any sense.

I have the impression that a many worlds theory is an application of our laws of the universe, to the multiverse. To make a simple analogy, it would be conceivable (?) that in one world a photon always passes deterministically through either slit (they would never have to account for an interference pattern, but then again we never really observe it do we?) and its inhabitants would arrive at a completely different view of the world. Why are we to suppose that our account of quantum physics (minus the collapse postulate) is "universal" or "multiversal"? Or in other words in the context of many worlds how confident should we be that our laws are a reflection of reality at large? Is it not strange to admit that there may be worlds which obey different rules based on interpretations we made about our world's rules?

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for your question about many worlds theory and its application to the multiverse. I can understand your hesitation to fully embrace this interpretation without a solid mathematical understanding. However, let me try to address your concerns.

Firstly, it is important to note that many worlds theory is just one interpretation of quantum mechanics. There are other interpretations, such as the Copenhagen interpretation, which do not involve the concept of multiple parallel universes. Therefore, it is not a universally accepted theory and should not be treated as such.

With that being said, many worlds theory does offer a unique perspective on the nature of reality. It suggests that every possible outcome of a quantum event actually occurs in a separate universe. This means that in one universe, a photon may pass through one slit, while in another universe it may pass through both slits. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is based on the mathematics of quantum mechanics and has been supported by experimental evidence.

Now, to address your analogy about the inhabitants of a different world having a completely different view of the world, it is important to remember that each universe in the multiverse is still governed by the same fundamental laws of physics. The differences between universes would simply arise from different outcomes of quantum events, not from different laws of nature.

As for your question about our laws of physics being a reflection of reality at large, it is true that we can never be 100% certain about our understanding of the universe. However, scientific theories are constantly being tested and refined through experiments and observations. Many worlds theory has been able to make predictions that have been confirmed by experiments, giving us confidence in its validity.

In conclusion, many worlds theory is just one interpretation of quantum mechanics and should not be treated as a universally accepted theory. However, it offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality and has been supported by experimental evidence. As with any scientific theory, our understanding may evolve over time, but for now, many worlds theory provides a useful framework for understanding the quantum world.