Many-worlds Interpretation - Many-worlds in Literature and Science Fiction

Many-worlds in Literature and Science Fiction

Main article: Parallel universe (fiction) See also: alternate history

The many-worlds interpretation (and the somewhat related concept of possible worlds) has been associated to numerous themes in literature, art and science fiction.

Some of these stories or films violate fundamental principles of causality and relativity, and are extremely misleading since the information-theoretic structure of the path space of multiple universes (that is information flow between different paths) is very likely extraordinarily complex. Also see Michael Clive Price's FAQ referenced in the external links section below where these issues (and other similar ones) are dealt with more decisively.

Another kind of popular illustration of many-worlds splittings, which does not involve information flow between paths, or information flow backwards in time considers alternate outcomes of historical events. According to the many-worlds interpretation, all of the historical speculations entertained within the alternate history genre are realized in parallel universes.

Read more about this topic:  Many-worlds Interpretation

Famous quotes containing the words literature, science and/or fiction:

    It is the nature of the artist to mind excessively what is said about him. Literature is strewn with the wreckage of men who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others.
    Virginia Woolf (1882–1941)

    Until politics are a branch of science we shall do well to regard political and social reforms as experiments rather than short-cuts to the millennium.
    —J.B.S. (John Burdon Sanderson)

    Given that external reality is a fiction, the writer’s role is almost superfluous. He does not need to invent the fiction because it is already there.
    —J.G. (James Graham)