Explanation of Multiverse Past in Quantum Mechanics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around concepts of time travel within the framework of quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on the multiverse theory as described by Brian Greene. Participants explore the implications of these theories on the nature of past events and their potential unchangeability, as well as connections to the double slit experiment and the role of observation in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references Brian Greene's idea that traveling back in time leads to a parallel universe where changes do not affect the original universe.
  • Another theory discussed is that the past is unalterable, suggesting that actions taken in the past were always part of one's destiny.
  • Participants draw parallels between the behavior of photons in the double slit experiment and the theories of time travel, questioning if the multiverse could represent a "wave" state that collapses into a single outcome when observed.
  • One participant mentions Stephen Hawking's treatment of the universe as a quantum system and references his concept of "imaginary time," noting its lack of wide acceptance.
  • Requests for further reading on Hawking's work and clarification on "imaginary time" are made, indicating interest in deeper exploration of these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity and explore various ideas without reaching a consensus. Multiple competing views on the nature of time travel and its implications remain present, with no resolution on the validity of the theories discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on interpretations of quantum mechanics and the multiverse that may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes speculative connections between quantum phenomena and time travel theories, which may depend on specific definitions and assumptions that are not fully articulated.

IndiaNut92
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Hi-
I recently read Brian Greene's Fabric of the Cosmos which led me to think of an interesting concept that I would appreciate further explanation on. On page 456 Greene describes how in the multiverse view, if you traveled back to the past, you would have gone back to a past in a parallel universe and so any changes you would make in the parallel past would not affect the universe in which you came from.
Another theory he explained is that the past is unalterable and that any actions you take in the past, happened originally and so you were just fulfilling your "destiny" or rather committing the same actions that you had already done in the past, even if it was before your birth, etc.
These two ideas made me wonder: For example, in the double slit experiment, when an unobserved photon passes through, it appears in a wave pattern, however when it is observed, the probability wave collapses and it becomes a point particle. I am curious as to if this explanation can also work for both theories of time travel.
Since there are many parallel universes in the multiverse that we are not physically conscious of, could this be the "wave," similar to the photon? Likewise by going into the past, which would be "unchangeable" would this probability wave shrink, leaving us as the point particle so to speak, which would mean this past that we were conscious of could only have one outcome that we couldn't change.

I'm sorry if this is confusing, but I've done my best to describe this idea, jumbled as it may be. I appreciate your time in trying to explain if the combination of these ideas has already been thought of, if they're totally crazy or wrong, or just any comments or concerns in general. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
good book..one of my favorites...

These two ideas made me wonder: For example, in the double slit experiment, when an unobserved photon passes through, it appears in a wave pattern, however when it is observed, the probability wave collapses and it becomes a point particle. I am curious as to if this explanation can also work for both theories of time travel.
maybe: Brian Greene says this in the same Chapter

We might one day find...that the act of conscious observation is an integral element of quantum mechanics, being the catalyst that coaxes one outcome from the quantum hze to be realized."


Since there are many parallel universes in the multiverse that we are not physically conscious of, could this be the "wave," similar to the photon?

Stephen Hawking has treated the entire universe as a quantum system...and a wave... in some of his analytical work. I think he used "imaginary" time...and the approach did not gain wide aceptance nor favor...
 
Thanks for the answer. Can you give me any links to or further reading on Hawking's analytical work that dealt with this? Also, what did he mean by "imaginary time". Many Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
880
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K