Author notes

EXPLANATION FOUR: UNIVERSES ENSEMBLE! (Or--Multiple Choice!)

alschroeder

on June 29, 2014

Continuing down the list of six possible explanations for the "anthropic" coincidences in nature which allow intelligent life to evolve…largely inspired and derived from George F.R. Ellis' brilliant brief book, BEFORE THE BEGINNING. He is NOT responsible, though, for the liberties I've taken with his logic or how I've chosen to illustrate it.
This "multiverse" idea is probably the most scientifically accepted explanation for the anthropic coincidences, but is by no means unanimous among scientists. I'll go through the pros and cons of each variety, in the next few weeks.
Max Tegmark also discusses four different levels of multiverse theories, but I'm only touching on the ones that would effect the coincidences that would allow us to exist.
I'll probably discuss string theory when I discuss quantum branching, as another example of a limited but large set of "universes" to choose from, and I'll probably discuss Max Tegmark's "Mathematical universe" when I discuss the last one, along with modal realism.
Yes, that first large panel is a homage to Jack Kirby's cover for Avengers #16.

NEXT: Beyond the Fields We Know…