Some of these “quantum” concepts that you mention don’t require actual quantum physics in the first place. “Quantum dice” is just a short-hand for “truly random decision making method”, and a quantum multiverse is for decision-theoretical purposes equivalent to having an infinite ensemble of classical universes with small differences between them, plus self-location uncertainty.
“Quantum dice” is just a short-hand for “truly random decision making method”, and a quantum multiverse is for decision-theoretical purposes equivalent to [...]
Unfortunately, some people take it overly seriously, just look at the recent posts about infinities and death in many worlds, and about whether a copy of you preserves your identity. Some are filled with quantum angst.
If, as ShardPhoenix says, “quantum multiverse is for decision-theoretical purposes equivalent to having an infinite ensemble of classical universes with small differences between them, plus self-location uncertainty”, (BTW I would use “similar” instead of “equivalent”), “posts about infinities and death in many worlds, and about whether a copy of you preserves your identity” seem perfectly justified, so I find your comment puzzling as a response to his comment.
Agreed. The multiverse idea is older than, and independent of quantum theory. Actually, a single infinitely large classical universe will do, since statistically, every possibility should play out. Nietzsche even had a version of immortality based on an infinitely old universe. Though it’s not clear whether he ever meant it literally, he very well could have, because it was consistent with the scientific understanding of the time.
That said, I like the idea of sminux’s post. I try to steer clear of quantum language myself, and think others should too, if all they mean by “quantum” is “random”.
Some of these “quantum” concepts that you mention don’t require actual quantum physics in the first place. “Quantum dice” is just a short-hand for “truly random decision making method”, and a quantum multiverse is for decision-theoretical purposes equivalent to having an infinite ensemble of classical universes with small differences between them, plus self-location uncertainty.
That’s my impression anyway.
Unfortunately, some people take it overly seriously, just look at the recent posts about infinities and death in many worlds, and about whether a copy of you preserves your identity. Some are filled with quantum angst.
If, as ShardPhoenix says, “quantum multiverse is for decision-theoretical purposes equivalent to having an infinite ensemble of classical universes with small differences between them, plus self-location uncertainty”, (BTW I would use “similar” instead of “equivalent”), “posts about infinities and death in many worlds, and about whether a copy of you preserves your identity” seem perfectly justified, so I find your comment puzzling as a response to his comment.
Is there reason not to take it seriously, from a quantum-mechanical perspective?
I may not agree with their conclusions, but I’m fairly sure the MWI worlds actually exist.
Agreed. The multiverse idea is older than, and independent of quantum theory. Actually, a single infinitely large classical universe will do, since statistically, every possibility should play out. Nietzsche even had a version of immortality based on an infinitely old universe. Though it’s not clear whether he ever meant it literally, he very well could have, because it was consistent with the scientific understanding of the time.
That said, I like the idea of sminux’s post. I try to steer clear of quantum language myself, and think others should too, if all they mean by “quantum” is “random”.