A problem with probabilites in many worlds

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In summary, the conversation discusses the predictive power of theories and how it is affected by the limitation of low probabilities. It also mentions the problem of deriving the Born rule in the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) and the proposal of the ignorance after measurement interpretation as a solution. However, there is still no agreement on how to recover our familiar understanding of probability in MWI.
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StarsRuler
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In many worlds, all the results with probability>0 happens. But the predictive power of a theory is based in that events with very low probabilities no matter ( the possible ocurrence is `[but a constant]) around the averaged valued by the exponential of shannon entropy, that in the case of gaussians distributions, it is the typical standard deviation) Without this limitation, we could flip a coin 100 times and obtain 100 faces, probability is not 0 is 1/2^(100). What is the Everet III solve of this problem? I read his thesis but not mention to it. HOw is this trouble solved??
 
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StarsRuler said:
Without this limitation, we could flip a coin 100 times and obtain 100 faces, probability is not 0 is 1/2^(100). What is the Everet III solve of this problem?

That can happen in classically too. The probability of flipping 100 heads is always ##(1/2)^{100}##, it doesn't become 0 in classical probability.

In any case, there is currently no agreement on how our familiar understanding of probability is recovered from MWI, which has lead to some of the variants of MWI. Probably the simplest proposal, which doesn't add any additional major assumptions, is the ignorance after measurement interpretation. It still is not agreed if you can derive the Born rule, or if it must be postulated that the Born probability of a world constitutes its 'measure of existence'. Whichever it is, the reality of every day life is that you are not aware of the outcome of a measurement instantaneously when it is performed. By the time you become aware of the measurement outcome (if you ever become aware of it), the worlds have split and you are ignorant of which world you are in. Hence, if I do 100 quantum mechanical coin flips (e.g. Stern-Gerlach trials) while you are in the next room, and then walk over and ask you, "Which world are you in?" the Born rule-motivated ignorance-based probabilistic answer is, "Very likely not the world corresponding to 100 'spin ups' in a row."

There are other proposals under various names like Many Minds and so on, but in addition to the Born rule, additional structure has to be postulated.
 
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1. What is the Many-Worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics?

The Many-Worlds interpretation is a theory that suggests that every possible outcome of a quantum event actually occurs in a separate universe. This means that all possible alternate histories and futures are real and exist in parallel with our own universe.

2. How does the Many-Worlds interpretation solve the problem of probabilities in quantum mechanics?

The Many-Worlds interpretation avoids the problem of probabilities in quantum mechanics by stating that all possible outcomes occur in different universes. This means that the probability of a particular outcome is always 100% in at least one universe, and therefore eliminates the need for probability calculations.

3. What is the main criticism of the Many-Worlds interpretation?

One of the main criticisms of the Many-Worlds interpretation is that it is an untestable theory, as it is impossible to observe or interact with other universes. Additionally, it raises questions about the nature of reality and the existence of an infinite number of parallel universes.

4. Are there any experiments that support or refute the Many-Worlds interpretation?

There is currently no experimental evidence that definitively supports or refutes the Many-Worlds interpretation. However, some experiments, such as the delayed-choice quantum eraser experiment, have been interpreted as providing evidence for the existence of parallel universes.

5. How does the Many-Worlds interpretation impact our understanding of the universe?

The Many-Worlds interpretation presents a radical understanding of the universe, where every possible outcome of a quantum event actually occurs in a separate universe. This challenges traditional ideas of causality and the concept of a single, objective reality. It also has implications for concepts such as free will and the nature of consciousness.

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