Question about an infinite number of universes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of parallel universes and time travel, exploring the implications of Kolmogorov's zero-one law and the existence of multiverses. Participants examine the philosophical and scientific challenges associated with these ideas, including the nature of time, the Big Bang, and the logical implications of absolute nothingness.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference Kolmogorov's zero-one law to argue that time travel and parallel universes cannot be proven due to a lack of observable evidence.
  • One participant suggests that time travel might only be possible to points in time after a time machine is created, which could explain the absence of future tourists.
  • Another participant challenges the reasoning behind the assumption that backward time travel is impossible, proposing that there are better arguments against it.
  • Questions are raised about the definition of "parallel universe" and the assumptions underlying their existence, with some arguing that nothing unobservable can be proven to exist.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of the Big Bang theory and whether it originated from absolute nothing or something beyond time and space.
  • One participant critiques the idea that the observable universe could arise from absolute nothing, arguing that such reasoning involves logical inconsistencies.
  • Speculative multiverse theories are mentioned as potentially explaining the observable universe, but concerns are raised about the speculative nature of such explanations.
  • Some participants propose the idea of an infinite regression of universes as a solution to the problem of origins, while others argue this leads to further logical complications.
  • Theists are mentioned as positing a necessary being that initiates existence, contrasting with the speculative nature of multiverse theories.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the existence of parallel universes and the nature of time travel, with no consensus reached. Some argue against the possibility of time travel and the existence of multiverses, while others defend these concepts as plausible or worthy of exploration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the nature of time, existence, and the definitions of key terms like "parallel universe." There are unresolved logical implications regarding the origins of the universe and the validity of speculative reasoning.

  • #31
It seems highly unlikely that other copies of "us" exist in an inflationary multiverse scenario.

The fluctuations that give rise to different universes would evolve differently would they not?

The infinite monkey theorem seems to agree concerning the improbability of a monkey typing out Hamlet in a finite amount of time...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem#Probabilities

Even if the observable universe were filled with monkeys typing from now until the heat death of the universe, their total probability to produce a single instance of Hamlet would still be less than one in 10^183,800
 

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