Block Universe Theory: Implications & Multiverse

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SUMMARY

The Block Universe Theory, rooted in Einstein's Relativity, posits that past, present, and future coexist simultaneously, suggesting a static and eternal universe where movement is an illusion. This theory aligns with Max Tegmark's notion of the universe as a mathematical structure, although many scientists differentiate between these concepts. In the Block Universe, atoms are viewed as 4D structures, with current perceptions being 3D cross-sections. The idea that one could access past and future states by transcending dimensions is largely speculative and not widely accepted in scientific discourse.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's Relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of 4D spacetime
  • Knowledge of Max Tegmark's Mathematical Universe Hypothesis
  • Basic grasp of quantum mechanics and atomic structure
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Einstein's Relativity on modern physics
  • Explore the differences between Block Universe Theory and the Mathematical Universe Hypothesis
  • Study the concept of 4D spacetime and its representations in physics
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of a static universe on free will and determinism
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Philosophers of science, physicists, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of time, space, and the nature of the universe.

Physicuser
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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)?
 
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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.
 
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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".
 
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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.
 

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