Could someone clarify the Multiverse theory of things

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    Multiverse Theory
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Multiverse theory, specifically the concept that every decision creates alternate universes. Participants explore the implications of determinism versus randomness in decision-making, suggesting that identical situations lead to identical outcomes. The thought experiment of an all-powerful being cloning the universe highlights the challenge of identifying mechanisms that differentiate these universes. Key insights include the role of random events, such as radioactive decay, in spawning alternate realities, as well as references to John Gribbin's book "In Search of the Multiverse" for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Multiverse theory concepts
  • Familiarity with determinism and randomness in physics
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics, particularly quantum events
  • Awareness of philosophical implications of decision-making
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "In Search of the Multiverse" by John Gribbin
  • Explore the implications of quantum mechanics on Multiverse theory
  • Research deterministic processes in physics
  • Investigate the concept of randomness in scientific theories
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, physicists, and science enthusiasts interested in the implications of the Multiverse theory and the nature of decision-making in alternate realities.

peter09
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Hi,
I guess the Multiverse theory may be the wrong wording but I was thinking about the ideas seen on Science programs and in fiction where a decision made in this universe spawns a set of alternate universes to cover all possible decisions. I am sure you've seen the sort of thing

- Pilot decides to shoot/not shoot at alien --- spawning a Universe at war with the aliens and a universe at peace --- or similar.

My thinking on the scenario above is that an identical pilot in an identical situation will make an identical decision - ie. there never can be the possibility of two universes unless a deterministic process past->present includes random events.

This idea comes from this thought experiment.

Imaging an all powerful being who is capable of freezing this universe - stopping time- stopping everything. He then clones this universe and creates an exact duplicate. He then unfreezes these universes for 1ms and then stops both again and examines each for differences.

For a macro sized event such as the pilot above I believe he will always make the same decision, in Universe(a) and Uni(b) his neurons are primed identically and I cannot figure any Macro event that will make a difference.

So the question is what mechanisms do we expect to operate that will make these universes different to our detailed view. Anything that can be labeled deterministic cannot change things.

My thinking (wild and woolly as it is) would suggest that only truly random events can make a difference and this descends into

  • How do we know what is truly random against driven by a deterministic process we do not understand
  • Every quantum twitch in the universe generates a new alternate universe (thats a lot of universes)

An example would be a radioactive particle which decays/does not decay. Presumable this theory would expect alternate universes for this action.

Can anyone help me with this?
 
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I can not answer directly, but I will say in the past I have come across many extraordinary discussions of this right here in PF.
You might try PF's search function.
 
The best up to date discussion is in John Gribbin's book In Search of the Multiverse.

Charlie T.
 

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