...there would seem to be far more different mathematical structures
where this type of scenario occurs (the odd white rabbit scuttling
across a ceiling, for instance, to reuse an earlier example),
So statistically we should be in one of these 'contrived' universes...
Does anyone happen to have an idea about how to respond to this
challenge to Tegmark's hypothesis?
Statistically we should not be in such a universe unless we exist in an
arbitrary mathematical structure, for example, in which time was
directed by a potentially variable set of arbitrary laws. If we do not
exist as such, then those seemingly possible universes are not actually
possible, and what we experience is exactly what is possible.
If chaos is out there, it would be here as well. Its similar to the idea
that if existence could not be, then a universe would not be here. My
point is that the solution is not to find some logical fact that
sustains order for conscious beings at the edge of chaos, but rather
figure out what is faulty about our expectation of chaos.
Here is what I understand. Contrary to our expectations, time is
directed purely by what is most probable. Much of what we think of as an
intricate and systematic reality is simply what is most probable in
time. To begin explaining, first I must suggest that what is real,
primarily speaking, is the moment that we exist in, and not the system
of many moments that we ordinarily think of as reality. So, I postulate
that every possible moment or physical pattern exists as real as any
other. This is the way in which the universe is totally infinite.
I believe the static world satisfies the necessity for the Universe to
be infinite, and is the only way in which the Universe is radically
infinite. Although the patterns of a rabbit crossing my ceiling do exist
as real as those where it does not, they, as well as most, do not
connect together to form a temporal system. Why not?
Not time, but change itself has a natural direction. It is possible to
see that direction if we create a model of all possible moments or
states. Unfortunately, our modern mathematics does not exactly mirror
the physics of space-time, so it seems to us that this is not possible.
If the mathematical plane did mirror the universe there would be an
ultimate positive infinity number. Although there is a physical absolute
zero like that of the complex plane, there is not an ultimate positive
or single largest number to represent the infinite density of
space-time. There is no positive infinity number, however, there is
distinctly a first moment of time, and a physical state where the volume
of space-time is zero and density is infinite.
Infinite density is an extreme physical value. Consequently the set of
all possible states is not indefinite, but rather it includes definite
boundaries. Rather than chaotic, the set of all possible states is quite
simple to envision, a spectrum of density patterns with two outer
extremes of zero and infinite density, in between which all possible
states exist and can be at least vaguely imagined.
Once this spectrum, infinite yet bordered by extremes, is acknowledged
its relationship to and influence of space-time is difficult not to
notice. The universe of space-time begins near or from the point of
density and travels (by expanding and cooling) almost directly toward
the zero state. The movement through state space is sudden at first,
then slowly, then apparently the rate increases again,
The only possible explanation for the direction and momentum of time is
that the actual spectrum extends beyond zero (as does the mathematical
plane) and includes an identical but inverse set of patterns, a positive
and a negative side. The equal number of states on either side of zero
makes the balance of zero inevitable. Zero is by nature a great
attractor for time, for any and all change, pulling us toward it. The
momentum slows as we draw nearer, as the group of positive and negative
states equalize. But then apparently, to my own surprise, the rate
appears to increase in the end near zero, I expect this is because Omega
zero or a perfectly flat space extends infinitely in all directions.
In any case, time is simply moving in the direction of greater balance
within the overall state space of possibilities. So the possible
directions of time that make up the many worlds universe are not
arbitrary. The only possible and natural direction of time or change is
toward balance. Anything else would be arbitrary and require a reason or
supernatural explanation, such as consciousness, etc.
Our universe, and all others within the total wave function of all the
MWs comprise the natural directions of time, which in fact with a little
more study turns out to be a fourth dimension of space. Time as we know
it is actually space; directions which pass through the 3D static
spatial moments of the Universe’s state space. It takes some work to see
this clearly, and there is more to an aggregate state space model, but
in ending, it isn’t that space-time is not real compared to the static
universe. Rather it is simply secondary or relative to the structure of
the absolute or permanent universe.
Devin Harris
Received on Wed Jul 14 1999 - 03:20:20 PDT
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