Questions on Many Worlds Interpretation

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of quantum physics, addressing questions about the nature of parallel universes and their visibility. It explores whether MWI explains why we cannot perceive these other universes, suggesting that decoherence plays a role in how states evolve and become distinguishable. Participants discuss the composition of these parallel universes, indicating that all worlds are part of a single physical system made of the same fundamental matter. The conversation highlights the complexity of understanding MWI and the challenges in grasping its implications, particularly regarding the separation of different worlds. Ultimately, the dialogue reflects a deep curiosity about the interpretation of quantum mechanics and its relationship to reality.
  • #31
Demystifier said:
It was just an impression, I cannot give a good rational argument for that.

Ah, yes, I was totally convinced that BM was true, but it happened in another MWI branch :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Dmitry67 said:
Ah, yes, I was totally convinced that BM was true, but it happened in another MWI branch :)
Is that a joke? I think it isn't if you honestly believe in MWI. :)
 
  • #33
So both of them being equaly valid states, they can exist? then, to me it is clear that quantum theory, no mater how precise, is far from being understood (at least, it's relation with reality).
 
  • #34
The theory is well understood. The reasons why it works aren't. Note that this is always the case with the best theory we know, because if we had a theory that explains why it works, that would be a better theory.
 
  • #35
Yes, they both exist.
'you' are not a line... Some of 'you' are living quite different lives in the other worlds, even they share the same history to some moment of time.

Here is a very good FAQ:
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qm-manyworlds/

covering even questions like:
6.4 Social Behavior of a Believer in the MWI
:)
 
  • #36
LOL. Sorry, I'm as clear as a closed book. I don't mean the theory is not well understood, but it's just maths applied to something. What I am not sure is what "something" applies for. As for there being a "me" conscious of having chosen another option, I don't have it. What the theory says is a may be smeared out between both states, not that any of them has an independent existence
 
  • #37
Re: that immortal cat in the unopened box... before the box is opened, what if a person is looking at pictures in the same room... should that change anything? I wouldn't think so. What if there is a mechanical device that is running inside the box... this, in and of itself, should not change anything. But what if that mechanical device is a web camera taking pictures and posting them somewhere on the web? What the mechanical device 'is' and 'does', should not change anything. Finally what if the pictures that are being looked at are the ones from the camera!?

At what point does the probability wave collapse?

Regardless of the answer, if the pic shows the cat is alive, a new wave has formed since the pic was taken... however, if the cat is dead then the game is over. This means something but... LOL!... I'm not sure what just yet. Maybe this test should use the random event to flip a coin instead so that there is more of a balance... or maybe I'm just over medicated once again. ;-)

Rusty

Edit: It seems to me -- this shows that the cat is either dead or alive regardless of observation and that the cat is never both alive and dead -- this is all within your head.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K