An interesting thought on the Multiverse Theory.

[Tex]

In case you are one of the few who don't know, information on the "Multiverse" theory can be found here.

I often start to think about this theory, and its sheer ramifications: According to the theory, an infinite number of possible universes exists. This means that there are universes that (theoretically) exist in where "Buzz" Aldrin was the first to step on the moon. Another exists where neither landed on the moon first. If you'd care to think about it, there's even a universe in which everybody here on the forums was the first!

Of course, this always got me thinking: If every possible event occurred, then this means that there are an infinite number of universes nearly identical to our own, but with sometimes subatomic differences. Think of it this way: There is another universe where you are reading this right now, but the alternate you has one less atom than you do right now. Small differences like this create an infinite number of possible outcomes that all exist simultaneously. Every time you get a paper cut, peel a banana, or ask someone on a date, an infinite set of new universes are created. In one, that paper cut opens you up to radiation from an X-Ray you might be taking shortly in the future, and you get superpowers, but are corrupted with a tiny lifespan. That banana bursts into flames when you try to eat it. And your date? You screw it up an infinite number of times.

Always remember that the opposite happens, too! Maybe the X-Ray instantly heals the paper cut, and you make lots of money letting researchers study you. Maybe the banana delays you from going swimming for an hour, and saves you from an errant lightning strike. That date goes better than you could ever dream of. And all of these possibilities happen an infinite number of times.

What are some of your crazier ideas of what happens in your alternate universes?

[Skyler4856]

I am the ruler of the world, Kerbals exist in place of humans, and I am currently taking a dump on mars

[theend3r]

The thing is those universes with different outcomes cannot share the same past. In quantum mechanics one state will always have unfold in the same way if reset, so those universes were actually never the same.

[Tex]

In quantum mechanics...

Ah, but here is my counter-thought: There are an infinite set of universes where the process of quantum mechanics were never invented. If this were true, than the converse is true: We are an alternate universe of that universe, and so this problem is never actually a problem. Heck, there are universes within the realms of imagination where the laws of physics do not apply.

I like the way you think, it makes me think even more.

[theend3r]

Laws of nature aren't invented and to not make this an alternative universe to a one where I pass my exam tommorow, I should go get some sleep (2:50 here)

[lajoswinkler]

I don't know why to they call it a theory when it's obviously not one. But let's play along. According to it, there can be an universe where only one electron has a different position in one moment of time.

In one of them universes, I'm parachuting in Japan right now because I went on a business trip (my company selling plastic fruit, very popular in that universe's Japan) and decided to have some fun while I'm there.

[Kerbin Dallas Multipass]

An alternate universe where no alternate universes exist

[ArmchairGravy]

The thing is those universes with different outcomes cannot share the same past. In quantum mechanics one state will always have unfold in the same way if reset, so those universes were actually never the same.

Actually this is not true according to Stephen Hawking in The Grand Design. "We create history by our observation, rather than history creating us." Many different histories exist in the Feynman sum.

[Dominatus]

There exists a universe in which light is actually darkness, matter and energy are mysterious theoretical ideas that the common namuH (reverse it) has only heard mention of, doesn't think about or comprehend. In this universe there is about 4-5% of the universe that has this supposed substance. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are three great religious orders that have teamed up in the name of science to uncover the truths about the universe, all the while under assault by extremist atheist cells. The tea party is the primary party in all political elections. North Korea is a world power engaged in a nuclear standoff with the United States and her long-time ally, the Soviet Union. Cats are chasing dogs. Reality is perceived in more dimensions then we perceive it.

In fact, according to the multiverse theory, there exists a universe in which the existence of a multiverse is impossible, and therefore the multiverse cannot exist. But if it didn't exist then the universe in which it doesn't exist will cease to exist. And so without that universe the multiverse can exist, and does exist... And if it exists there exists a universe in which it cannot exist...

I just created a paradox, didn't I? "Great job, Dom, you not only broke the universe, you broke the multiverse, too."

This is an interesting subject, though. I love to discuss things like this, really makes one think... Let's keep them coming! Remember that your not wrong- because according to the multiverse, your right somewhere. This is how I win all arguments. Or call it a draw. Which is winning somewhere.

Edited January 15, 2014 by Dominatus

[Tex]

This is how I win all arguments. Or call it a draw. Which is winning somewhere.

Win logic. I like it.

[minerman30]

I thought of an extension to this theory. It is that for every one of the infinite universes, there is an infinite number of universes for every possible period of time that will ever occur in that universe. This solves the grandfather paradox (at least in the universe you left), and means that time travel is simply travel to the alternate dimensions.

[MedwedianPresident]

Well, we need some help from Mr.Spock in solving the "A universe where the multiverse doesn't exist" paradox.

Anyways, there might be an universe with 6 dimensions - somewhat a primary and secondary space. An object exists in the 3 dimensions and in the other 3 dimensions at the same time. This means that there are two instances of each atom, everything. X and X2, Y and Y2 and Z and Z2. I mean, that there exists a red cube in my example. It's position is X=31 , Y=12 and Z=13. But it also has another instance whose position is X2=81 , Y2=4 and Z=22, for example. Extremely hard to explain. Maybe Mr.Spock will do it. Sort of like things simply exist two times if described in 3-dimensional space.

Edited January 16, 2014 by MedwedianPresident