So Mr. Lazarow started talking about the alternative universe theory and I thought I'd bring it up on the blog. (yes, fun... I know)
Basically, there are two similar universes that this theory creates. And whenever you make a decision in this universe, the opposite of that decision was made in the other universe. Now, I have a few questions that go along with this: How do I know that the other 'me' in the other universe isn't the one making the decision first? In this sense, is the other 'me' the one who is deciding our destiny?
Also, the discussion about destiny reminded me of the adventure books we would read as kids. You would read a prompt and then have to decide between two choices and continue along with the story you 'chose' until you came to a conclusion. This reminded once more of the alternative universe theory. Every time we make a choice aren't we faced with different circumstances than those of the other choice? If I chose to steal a candy bar, the circumstances would be different than if I hadn't. Therefore, how is the other 'me' able to pick the exact opposite choice every time? Is someone else created every time I make a choice? Or is there just some random person in the alternative universe that makes the opposite choice?
Mary Quien
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4 comments:
Actually the parallel universe theory supports infinite parallel universes(as opposed to only 2), thus infinite variations of decisions. The different choices stem into different outcomes of course, but even similar choices are counteracted by unique factors affecting them, causing more and more variation.
Many-worlds claims to resolve all the "paradoxes" of quantum theory since every possible outcome to every event defines or exists in its own "history" or "world." In layman's terms, this means that there is a very large, perhaps infinite, number of universes and that everything that could possibly happen in our universe (but doesn't) does happen in some other universe or universes.
Most of this theory stems from the Schrödinger's cat experiment from the point of view of the cat.
Sorry if this went over your head, I love reading about quantum mechanics and usually just talk over peoples heads when the subject comes up.
(Steve Szumski)
Upon reading this post, the wackiest ideas came to mind. When I do well on a test, does the "other me" in another universe do badly on the test? When I decide to listen to my parents, does the "other me" refuse to do so? What a rebel.
If these parallel universes did exist, wouldn't all actions be done simultaneously? I honestly have no background on the subject and am intrigued by it.
Just like Mary's example of stealing the candy bar vs. not stealing the candy bar, we often find ourselves wondering about "what if" scenarious. "What would have happened if I had answered the telephone?" "What would have happened if I had said this instead of that?" Isn't life just a game of risk? For some reason, this brings to mind Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous". Had it been Rainsford's destiny to be shipwrecked on the treacherous island belonging to General Zaroff? Had it been Winston's destiny to oppose the Party? Why, then, did he fail in his endeavor? I'm not making any sense at all. Was it my destiny not to make sense? Just kidding, I promise..
Aren't board games perfect representation of destiny, then? What would have happened if you had landed on the "Go to Jail" box? How would the game have been conducted differently?
It seems that a game motif is present in my discussion. What if each universe represnts a story with a tweaked plot? What if a higher being controls our every move and is trying out different actions/moves, hence the many universes, in order to see which combination better suits his/her taste. I have extrapolated too much.
(Sam Maliha)
I actually agree with Steve's explanation of alternate universes (it was actually explained to me when I was in fifth grade so the terminology was a bit more basic, but the idea remains the same). If you think about the mathematical concept of infinity, only the very beginning (most likely, your birth/beginning of your existence) matters and the very end (your death). Everything else that happens in the middle is just filler. Especially as you move away from your initial point, the less that the number/specific point or your decision matters.
I sort of see destiny as a web with an overall shape of a diamond. You start with one point, branch out into progressively more options until you hit a certain point, upon which your options/effects of your decision decrease in variability until you end up at your end point. I know it doesn't exactly fit the mathematical analogy, but perhaps it's worth considering? I have no idea if this is an existing theory or just some random thing I made up.
So, does it matter which version of you is making the decision since it all stems from the same initial position and ends up causing the same end position? Sure, the quality of your existence might be varied but does it really matter?
Besides, isn't the principle of black/white and the existence of only diametric opposites a bit too...ummm...antiquated? Not that there's anything wrong with it, I just don't happen to agree with it.
I'm sorry if this post is completely off-base. I wasn't exactly in class for the discussion, but yeah...this post probably only makes sense to me.
Just like in Chem class when Mr. Lo showed us that video, then mentioned the cat in the box idea and talked about parallel universes... it's way over my head!
If there really are an infinite number of parallel universes, does it really matter what we do here and now, because something else will be done somewhere else? I would argue that it matters a lot because of the consequences that we must face in our day-to-day life. Yeah, there might be another me in another universe that won't have to suffer the consequences when I decide to rob the bank, but I sure do.
It could get funny if we experimented... I can imagine the guilty pleas in court: "Jane Smith, did you or did you not rob the bank?" "Yes sir, in this universe I did. But in another universe..." I think you see where this is going. Yes, this could get very funny...
Emily T.
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