What Defines a Different Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of parallel universes and their potential existence, exploring various theories and interpretations within speculative physics. Participants examine different models of universes, including their definitions and implications, while considering the limitations of current knowledge and technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that parallel universes are speculative and currently unproven, with various theories attempting to describe them.
  • One participant discusses the string theory interpretation of alternate universes, suggesting that every decision leads to the creation of a separate universe.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that beyond our observable universe, there may exist additional universes that are not parallel but rather distinct entities, potentially housing unique beings.
  • Several models of parallel universes are mentioned, including the infinite universe model, the concept of multiple big bangs creating distinct universes, and the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
  • A participant questions the definition of a "universe" and what criteria must be met for something to be considered a different universe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the existence and nature of parallel universes, with no consensus reached regarding definitions or the validity of the proposed models.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the speculative nature of their discussions and the limitations of current scientific understanding and technology in exploring these concepts.

PhyHunter
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Are there Parallel Universes ?
 
Space news on Phys.org
And how can they affect our universe ?
 
Parallel universes are speculative physics. We have no way currently of knowing whether or not they exist. There are also several theories that describe different types of parallel universes and how they fit into mainstream physics:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiverse

By definition, a universe contains everything there is so by extension parallel universes are in reality added structure to the existing all encompassing universe that everything and everyone lives in.
 
I had an interesting discussion about this with my grandfather a couple of weeks ago. I think where a lot of us get hung up is the string theory interpretation of "alternate universes" where everytime some event occurs, the universe splits and forms a separate universe where the opposite decision was made. This is an interesting theory, but that is all it is.

I just recently had this thought, however; We are a very small planet, in a small galaxy in a vast universe. we have little knowledge of many things outside our galaxy, let alone things that might exist outside the range of what we know. about 13 billion light years in any direction is as far as light has traveled since the universe began. however, this light is continually expanding, and always will. which leads me to believe, that beyond our universe, there has to be additional space that we are taking up with our expansion. So, what I'm thinking is that there is a posibility of other universes existing out in space. these universes would be in addition to ours, not parallel universes that couldn't be seen. So it wouldn't be universes where I exist but didnt marry my wife, or didnt go to college, or didnt have a baby, they would be universes just like ours where millions, billions, maybe even trillions of other unique, individual beings exist. although with our current technology (and likely none in the near or probably even distant future) we would never be able to see them, but theoretically, if they existed we could if the technology existed.

Of course I've not founded any of this in anything other than speculation, but its a fun thought.
 
Yes

As far as I know there are three versions of parallel universes.

Firstly is the infinite universe. This means that there are infinite numbers of observable universes. Each is like its own universe. This also implies that there are repeats of this world within our own universe.

Secondly there are multiple big bangs. Each big bang creates its own universe with its own equations and constants. Some would be so inhospitable that atoms couldn't be made and others could be really hospitable and life and chemistry would be really interesting. Others would be just like ours.

Lastly, there is the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. This means that every option on every level creates a new universe.
 
pnorm91 said:
So, what I'm thinking is that there is a posibility of other universes existing out in space. these universes would be in addition to ours, not parallel universes that couldn't be seen.

That doesn't make any sense. How are you defining 'a universe?' What makes something in space a "different universe?"
 

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