Some remarks on the mathematical structure of the multiverse
Alan McKenzie critiques the Copenhagen interpretation and Many Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics, proposing a multiverse model of finite, parallel block universes to explain quantum probabilities and address uncertainty.
Read original articleThe paper "Some remarks on the mathematical structure of the multiverse" by Alan McKenzie discusses the limitations of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, particularly regarding the dependence of wave function collapse on the observer's inertial frame. It critiques the Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) for its incompatibility with the special theory of relativity, which necessitates a unique timeline for all events, thus challenging the branching concept of MWI. McKenzie proposes a multiverse model consisting of discrete, parallel block universes that share identical characteristics until diverging at certain points, allowing for a finite number of universes. This model retains the advantages of MWI while providing a framework for understanding quantum probabilities as a ratio of events occurring across these universes. The paper also references the Mathematical Universe Hypothesis by Tegmark, suggesting that the mathematical structure of the multiverse is essential for explaining deterministic quantum evolution and addressing quantum uncertainty. Additionally, it touches on the implications of Gödel's work for this mathematical hierarchy and the concept of awareness within the multiverse.
- The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics is deemed incomplete due to its dependence on the observer's frame of reference.
- The Many Worlds Interpretation faces challenges from the special theory of relativity, which requires unique timelines for events.
- A proposed multiverse model consists of finite, parallel block universes that diverge at specific points.
- Quantum probabilities are derived from the ratio of occurrences across these parallel universes.
- The paper discusses the implications of Gödel's work on the mathematical structure of the multiverse and its relation to quantum uncertainty.
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I think that the key premise here is assuming that consciousness can be a feature of a turing machine. If you accept that premise then all objections to reality being purely mathematical fall away, and Conway's Game of Life (GoL) provides a perfect substrate for thought experiments around this. Because we know that GoL is turing complete, and GoL is obviously purely mathematical... its phenomena exist without our simulating them, simply because they are mathematically possible. We simulate them in order to help us discover their existence, but their existence is "Platonic", independent of our simulations. So if consciousness can be a feature of any turing complete system, then an infinitude of consciousnesses exist in the space of GoL phenomena; consciousnesses from whose perspective their respective (from our perspective purely mathematical) GoL Universes are "material".
The main obstacle to accepting this view is insisting on dualism between the material and the purely mathematical, giving a special status to materialism. But materialism also tends to lead one to accept that consciousness can be a property of turing machines, which would then imply a mathematical reality. I call this paradox "the poverty of materialism", and I'd love to see a convincing refutation.
The reader may also enjoy this survey report on multiverse theories which I generated just this morning:
https://html-preview.github.io/?url=https://github.com/impre...
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