Constants and multiverse possibilities

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Scientists have identified around 20 constants in nature that, if varied by more than 1%, would prevent the existence of life, suggesting the universe is finely tuned for life. This leads to two main possibilities: either the universe is intelligently designed or it is a rare occurrence among potentially infinite universes, as proposed by the multiverse theory. The discussion raises the question of whether an intelligent universe could exist, possibly likened to a deity, but acknowledges the speculative nature of such claims. Quantum entanglement is mentioned as a concept that could imply communication within an intelligent universe, though it does not allow for faster-than-light information transfer. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the tension between scientific speculation and theological implications regarding the nature of the universe.
  • #61
Agent M27 said:
To my understanding any particle which has no mass requires no medium to propogate, but will propogate through a medium dependent upon its refractive index.
Not quite. The refractive index is a purely electromagnetic phenomenon, resulting from how charged particles respond to the incoming electromagnetic wave. So, for example, massive particles can move faster through a medium with some refractive index than light. For charged particles, this causes Cherenkov Radiation.
 
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  • #62
Thanks for clearing me up. I was just directed to that experiment by frame dragger and I omitted it accidently. Oops. It's a very interesting experiment by the way.

Joe
 
  • #63
Spacetime has properties called permeability and permissivity. That is what imposes the speed limit on photons. This is a good thing. It prevents everything from happening all at once in the universe. If you are looking for deeper meaning in physics, that is a good place to start.
 
  • #64
Chronos said:
Spacetime has properties called permeability and permissivity. That is what imposes the speed limit on photons. This is a good thing. It prevents everything from happening all at once in the universe. If you are looking for deeper meaning in physics, that is a good place to start.
Well, it's not those two quantities themselves, but rather the relationship between them that sets the speed. And it's just a dimensional consideration: the speed of light is what relates the strength of the electric force to the strength of the magnetic force.
 
  • #65
Chronos said:
Spacetime has properties called permeability and permissivity. That is what imposes the speed limit on photons. This is a good thing. It prevents everything from happening all at once in the universe. If you are looking for deeper meaning in physics, that is a good place to start.

One of the problems of an intelligent universe is communication. The universe has to communicate with itself at a faster rate then the speed of light. I proposed in a previous post that quantum entanglement might do the job. What I gather from peoples post is that quantum entanglement can not be used to communicate, further all events can not be perceived to happen at the same time. If some sort of intelligence exists and is aware of cosmic events then there must be a way that events be dimensionaly stamped (four dimensions) and perceived at a faster speed then the speed of light. Since we haven't discovered a speed that's faster than the speed of light I conclude that there isn't an intelligent entity in control.
 
  • #66
leonstavros said:
One of the problems of an intelligent universe is communication. The universe has to communicate with itself at a faster rate then the speed of light. I proposed in a previous post that quantum entanglement might do the job. What I gather from peoples post is that quantum entanglement can not be used to communicate, further all events can not be perceived to happen at the same time. If some sort of intelligence exists and is aware of cosmic events then there must be a way that events be dimensionaly stamped (four dimensions) and perceived at a faster speed then the speed of light. Since we haven't discovered a speed that's faster than the speed of light I conclude that there isn't an intelligent entity in control.
I think that's a very reasonable analysis.
 

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