Why is quantum so fundamental?

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The discussion centers on the fundamental role of quantum mechanics in cosmological theories, particularly in multiverse concepts and string theory. Participants explore why quantum principles underlie these theories, suggesting that quantum mechanics is the most accurate predictive framework we have, even in scenarios where classical physics previously dominated. The conversation raises questions about the possibility of non-quantized, continuous universes and whether such universes could support conscious observers. It is posited that quantum uncertainty is essential for consciousness, implying that without it, a meaningful universe may not exist. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the intricate relationship between quantum mechanics and the nature of existence itself.
  • #31
Kherubin said:
I hadn't even thought about that mjacobsca! I suppose for a non-quantum, gravitationally-bound universe to develop complexity requires rather non-homogeneous beginnings?

Most definitely. Otherwise you end up with a completely evenly mixed soup of particles that are perfectly spaced apart. And by perfectly, I mean perfectly. Gravity is uniform down to the smallest particle, the smallest distance. Everything tugs on each other evenly, and nothing ever happens.

This was one of the biggest counter-arguments to the Big Bang in the beginning. Theorists said that if we had a Big Bang from a singularity, then everything would be uniform and we'd not have any complexity. But eventually, it was proven out that quantum fluctuations were operational from the very beginning, and due to inflation the fluctuations would have been stretched to enormous proportions, and would leave a trace throughout the cosmos. This, of course, is what the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation searches have proven.
 

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