Multiverse

Multiverse is a term used to describe the hypothetical set of multiple possible universes including the universe we live in. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. The different universes within the multiverse are called "parallel universes," "other universes," or "alternate universes."

Concept

The concept of the multiverse has its roots in cosmology, physics, astronomy, religion, philosophy, transcendentalism, fiction, and mythology. The term was coined in 1895 by the American philosopher and psychologist William James. The multiverse hypothesis extends the Copernican Principle to its logical extreme, suggesting that just as the Earth is not the center of the universe, our universe itself might not be the only universe.

Scientific Basis

In physics, different theories propose the existence of the multiverse. These theories include:

• Quantum mechanics and the many-worlds interpretation, proposed by Hugh Everett III, which posits that all possible alternative histories and futures are real and exist in parallel universes.
• Cosmic inflation theory and its extension, the eternal inflation theory, suggest that various parts of space-time expand at different rates, leading to the creation of many isolated "bubble universes."
• String theory and the landscape of string theory, which predicts a large number of possible universes with different physical properties.

Philosophical and Religious Implications

The idea of the multiverse has various philosophical and religious implications, questioning the uniqueness of our universe and the principles behind its creation. It challenges traditional cosmological arguments for the existence of God, and raises questions about the nature of reality, the concept of fate, and the meaning of life.

In Popular Culture

The multiverse concept has been a popular subject in science fiction and fantasy, appearing in books, television shows, movies, and video games. It allows for an almost infinite variety of settings and narratives, where different laws of physics and alternate histories can exist.

Criticism

The multiverse hypothesis is not without its critics. Some scientists and philosophers argue that it is a speculative theory that cannot be empirically tested. Others question whether the multiverse hypothesis is a scientific theory at all, due to its lack of falsifiability and empirical accessibility.

See Also

• Parallel universe (fiction)
• Multiverse (philosophy)
• Anthropic principle
• Fine-tuned universe