Probability, observers and the multiverse

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between probability, conscious observers, and the multiverse concept. Participants explore whether the existence of conscious observers in our universe increases the likelihood of a multiverse containing numerous conscious entities, as well as the implications of the Boltzmann Brain problem in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) questions if the existence of conscious observers makes the multiverse hypothesis more probable, suggesting that a multiverse could provide limitless opportunities for conscious life to arise.
  • The OP expresses uncertainty about the validity of their argument, particularly in relation to the brief existence of life in the universe.
  • The OP introduces the Boltzmann Brain problem as a thought experiment, questioning if the existence of conscious observers implies a greater likelihood of being in a universe where Boltzmann Brains exist.
  • One participant argues that conscious observers are unrelated to multiverse theories, questioning the relevance of observers to the universe's behavior.
  • Another participant critiques the probabilistic arguments presented by the OP, using a chess analogy to illustrate potential flaws in reasoning about observer probabilities.
  • A later reply notes that interpretations of quantum mechanics, such as the Copenhagen interpretation, may involve observers, while multiverse and many-worlds interpretations do not require them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of conscious observers to multiverse theories, with some supporting the OP's line of inquiry and others contesting it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of observer existence on multiverse probability.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached consensus on the validity of the arguments presented, and there are unresolved assumptions regarding the nature of consciousness and its relation to multiverse theories.

JuneSpring25
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TL;DR
Are there probability arguments for a multiverse based on the existence of conscious observers?
Not sure if I'm putting this in the right place!

I have a question about probability and conscious observers. Aside from other arguments for and against a multiverse, does the idea that a multiverse could contain a vast number of consicous observes make it more likely, given that we find ourselves existing as conscious observers?

I feel like something is wrong with that argument but I can't say why. Supposing life only exists for a relatively brief time in this universe (again leaving aside arguments for how long life might actually continue) does the fact that we are conscious observers make it more likely that we find ourselves conscious and observing because there is a multiverse and there are many / limitless opportunities for conscious life to arise?

Another way of looking at this relates to the Boltzmann Brain problem. Again, I'm not looking at other arguments for and against Boltzmann Brains (being a cognitively unstable idea, self-defeating argument etc), I just want to think about it as a thought experiment around probability. The central argument for us being boltzmann brains is that, supposing BBs can exist in an ongoing inflationary scenario, over vast amounts of time there would be vastly more Boltzmann brains than normal observers. However, I've never heard it put the other way round - that because was are conscious observers, this in itself mean we're more likely to be in a universe where BBs exist because then there would vastly more consicous observers?
 
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Conscious observers have nothing to do with the multiverse theories. Why do you think they would/should and why would the universe care?
 
JuneSpring25 said:
TL;DR Summary: Are there probability arguments for a multiverse based on the existence of conscious observers?

Not sure if I'm putting this in the right place!

I have a question about probability and conscious observers. Aside from other arguments for and against a multiverse, does the idea that a multiverse could contain a vast number of consicous observes make it more likely, given that we find ourselves existing as conscious observers?

I feel like something is wrong with that argument but I can't say why.
I think these probabilistic arguments are deeply flawed. Consider this:

Suppose, for the sake of argument, that 99.9% of chess games played every year are played between two computers - assume there are loads of projects round the world where computers play millions of games against each other every day. If you and I sit down to play a game of chess, does that mean there's a 99.9% chance that we are computers?
 
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If the OP is referring to the 'measurement problem' inherent in theories of quantum interpretations such as Copenhagen that appear to require an observer, the multiverse and many worlds interpretations (MWI) of quantum foundation theories do not require an observer.
 

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