Block Universe Theory: Implications & Multiverse

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the Block Universe Theory (BU), its implications regarding the nature of time and existence, and its relationship with the concept of a multiverse. Participants explore theoretical aspects of BU as related to Einstein's Relativity, the nature of 4D spacetime, and the interpretation of atoms within this framework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe the Block Universe Theory as suggesting that past, present, and future coexist simultaneously, leading to the idea that the universe is static and unchanging.
  • There is a proposal that if the universe does not evolve, it may imply that it is a mathematical structure, as suggested by Max Tegmark, although this is contested by others who assert that these ideas are independent hypotheses.
  • One participant questions whether atoms in the block universe are distinct in different 3D slices or if they are "expanded" through the fourth dimension, suggesting that an atom could be viewed as a 4D structure with each moment representing a cross-section.
  • Another participant raises the idea that if one could access a higher dimension, they might perceive the entirety of time, including past and future, though this is questioned as a real possibility.
  • References to media coverage discussing the block universe are provided, but the validity of such interpretations is debated, with some asserting that these references do not reflect real possibilities in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the Block Universe Theory and its relationship to the concept of a mathematical universe. There is no consensus on whether the idea of perceiving time as a whole is a legitimate possibility or merely a conceptual explanation.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include the lack of clarity on the definitions of terms used, the speculative nature of higher-dimensional access to time, and the unresolved status of how atoms are conceptualized within the block universe framework.

Physicuser
Messages
17
Reaction score
5
The Block Universe Theory, based on Einstein's Relativity, says that past, present and future exist at the same "time", the universe is static, eternal, and things doesn't change, movement is an ilusion because you have memories from the past. But if the universe don't evolve does this imply that is a mathematical structure like Max Tegmark claims?

How is related this view with the idea of multiverse?

I don't understand the concept very well. In BU (and Relativity), the 4D spacetime is supposed to be a lot of unrelated 3D slices like photograms, and the atoms of one slice are not the same than the previous, or are the atoms "expanded" through the 4th dimension (and are the same in distint places)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Physicuser said:
But if the universe don't evolve does this imply that is a mathematical structure like Max Tegmark claims?
No. Those are independent hypotheses.

Many scientists take the block universe seriously. I think only one scientist takes the mathematical universe idea seriously.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Sunil and Physicuser
Physicuser said:
I don't understand the concept very well. In BU (and Relativity), the 4D spacetime is supposed to be a lot of unrelated 3D slices like photograms, and the atoms of one slice are not the same than the previous, or are the atoms "expanded" through the 4th dimension (and are the same in distint places)?
In the block universe an atom is a 4d structure, like a pipe. The thing you are thinking of as "an atom, now" is a 3d cross-section of the "pipe".
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71, Physicuser and Dale
In some explanations of the concept I read it's said that if you could get out the block (through another dimension or something like that) you could "see" the past and the future. I don't know if this is just a way of explain how the block is or if it's considered a real possibility. What do you think?
 
Physicuser said:
In some explanations
Please provide a specific reference.
 
Physicuser said:
I don't know if this is just a way of explain how the block is or if it's considered a real possibility. What do you think?
Physicuser said:
It was in some media coverage like this:

https://plus.maths.org/content/what-block-time
It is not considered a real possibility. That was primarily a pop-sci mathematical reference talking about the math. Mathematicians frequently do that sort of thing with no known physical application.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Which theory of time is the most evidence-based?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
High School Refined Interpretation of Relativity of Simultaneity?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Unlearning the Block Universe: How Relativity Challenges Our Perception of Time
  • · Replies 90 ·
4
Replies
90
Views
11K
Graduate Unlearning Block Universe: BU vs Presentism Q&A
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Does causality exist in a block universe?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate The Block Universe: Examining the Rietdijk-Putnam Argument
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
9K
Graduate Is the future just an illusion in the block universe model?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
5K
Undergrad Is the Minkowksi/Einstein Block Universe theory science?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Graduate Does the Block Universe Theory Affect Our Understanding of Time and Reality?
  • · Replies 95 ·
4
Replies
95
Views
20K
High School Does the multiverse really include ALL outcomes?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K