Contemplating infinity too early in the morning

[zaph_redmantis]

I've decided I don't believe in multiple universes. I'm not taking issue with whatever math Everett put together. I haven't studied it at all. All the QM equations seem to be working fine. But I staunchly disagree with the idea that every possible electon combo is actualized in a multiverse. Sci-fi writers did the general population of geeks a

Comments

[captain_squid]

Multiple-universe theory just doesn't seem all that weird to me, I guess. Given how weird it is that we evolved to develop self-awareness and language and mathematics and quantum physics, a version where everyone speaks French and wears an onion on their watchchain just doesn't faze me.

Until someone comes up with a testable thesis and some empirical data, it's all just metaphysics anyway. If a wave function collapses to B instead of A, what does that mean for A? Did it never exist? Did it exist in potentiality up until the moment of observation, but then cease to exist? Did it go to Heaven with Grandma and my pet dog? Did it actually collapse to A in a dimension where a different version of myself is wondering what happens if it collapses to B?

I'd be hard-pressed to determine which possibility bothered me most*. Therefore, I'll try not to let any of them bother me.

* (And what would happen to those possibilities that didn't bother me most? Would they cease to exist? Would they never have existed...?)

[zaph_redmantis]

I agree that is metaphysics without anything testable, but its really the only important metaphysics, from what I can see. And I don't have a problem with mildly different deterministic outcomes. Its the idea that there are endless non-deterministic realities (aside from quantum determinism) that bothers me.

[word_geek]

I read a sci-fi story a long time ago, which I totally can't put my hands on right now, in which a guy learns about the many-worlds theory and spirals into a deep depression, because every time he crosses the street, he believes an infinite number of parallel selves die in car accidents. His girlfriend takes the opposite view, that you're essentially winning the lottery every moment you stay alive. I can't remember where the story went from there, but it was interesting.

[zaph_redmantis]

I think that's where there's confusion stemming from sci fi writers: those outcomes presuppose a consistent past. I don't see anything in MWI that would presuppose that idea. There's not quantum reason why I wouldn't just have access to the Word Geek memory library and assume that identity, whereas WG could just instantly assume mine. If all reality just comes down to the quantum flux, I don't see much hope or reason in studying any other underlying causes. So, my hope is just that there's more out there to find out about.