Many Worlds?: Everett, Quantum Theory, & Reality by Simon Saunders (PDF)

Description

What does realism about the quantum state imply? What follows when quantum theory is applied without restriction, if need be, to the whole universe? These are the questions which an illustrious team of philosophers and physicists debate in this volume. All the contributors are agreed on realism, and on the need, or the aspiration, for a theory that unites micro- and macroworlds, at least in principle. But the further claim argued by some is that if you allow the Schrodinger equation unrestricted application, supposing the quantum state to be something physically real, then this universe is one of countlessly many others, constantly branching in time, all of which are real. The result is the many worlds theory, also known as the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics.The contrary claim sees this picture of many worlds as in no sense inherent in quantum mechanics, even when the latter is allowed unrestricted scope and even given that the quantum state itself is something physically real. For this picture of branching worlds fails to make physical sense, let alone common sense, even on its own terms. The status of these worlds, what they are made of, is never adequately explained. Ordinary ideas about time and identity over time become hopelessly compromised. The concept of probability itself is brought into question. This picture of many branching worlds is inchoate, it is a vision, an error. There are realist alternatives to many worlds, some even that preserve the Schrodinger equation unchanged. Twenty specially written essays, accompanied by commentaries and discussions, examine these claims and counterclaims in depth. They focus first on the question of ontology, the existence of worlds (Part 1 and 2), second on the interpretation of probability (Parts 3 and 4), and third on alternatives or additions to many worlds (Parts 5 and 6). The introduction offers a helpful guide to the arguments for the Everett interpretation, particularly as they have been formulated in the last two decades.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review Review from previous edition: “written with great clarity by some of the best minds in contemporary foundations of physics … a fine read, summarizing nicely the state of the art in one of the most radical no-collapse interpretations of quantum theory.” l―Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews About the Author Simon Saunders is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. Jon Barrett is a Research Fellow in the Physics Department at the University of Bristol.Adrian Kent is a Reader in Quantum Physics at the University of Cambridge.David Wallace is a lecturer in Philosophy of Physics at the University of Oxford.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Although I have a science background (biology & chemistry), this book had far too many terms that were completely beyond my limited knowledge of physics and astrophysics. I strongly recommend that this book’s highly detailed and technological nature be stressed for potential buyers. No attempt was made to make the jargon intelligible to persons outside this narrow field. There was not even a glossary at the end to explain terminology.

⭐This is one of the very few compendiums on the Many Worlds Interpretation that I’ve found. It’s one of those books you’ll find yourself going back to time and again, as it contains difficult to find source material. It’s even handed in providing papers and opinions both for and against the theory. This isn’t a book you’ll necessarily sit down and read cover to cover – it’s more of a rich resource and go-to title if you’re studying or researching this topic.If you’re not familiar with the basis for the MWI, here are a few primers that might be helpful to read before or in conjunction with this book.First and foremost, this one is almost entirely devoted to the Many World Interpretation / Parallel Universes and is accessible to everyone and at any level: Excellent.

⭐The best collection of Everettian material:

⭐If you’re coming at this book without any physics background whatsoever:

⭐And of course, anything by Alan Guth or Andrei Linde on Inflationary Theory.

⭐Essential reading and thinking stuff for Everett followers.

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