Parallel Worlds

[Andrew Dutton]

Great read, even though string theory suffers from lack of testability and all that. The quantum discussion at the universe level was interesting since I am curious how things are going to end for our universe. I think the current data still indicate that entropy will drive the universe into a state of complete disarray. It was nice to see that there might be a quantum mechanical loophole by which we can move to other universes. But if entropy rules the other universes, won’t they also eventually fade into the dark also? It is a little depressing thinking the universe is on a one time, one way trip.

He lost me a little bit in Chapter 8 we he began to discuss a designer universe. I was surprised to see him talk about the anthropic principle as if it were a viable theory and even bring in Hawking’s quote on the theory at the end of the book. I thought the whole "universe was made just for us" issue was explained away a long time ago. The universe was not made for humans, the process of evolution simply generates life that is best suited for its environment. If the environment were to change, life would simply evolve to thrive in the new environment. The environment determines what life survives and flourishes through the process of natural selection. The environment does not change to suit the life forms that are evolving.

[Kirsten Sanford]

Hmmm... the way I understand it, the Anthropic Principle doesn't mean the universe was made for us. That's the Creationist perspective. Rather, the AP suggests that life wouldn't have evolved if the universe had been any different. And, that given the sheer magnitude of possible other universes, we're pretty lucky that this one is the way it is.