Epigraph:

They say, ‘When we die and turn into dust and decomposed bones, then shall we be raised up after given life again?’ (Al Quran 23:82)

Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

A large majority of the top scientists, mathematicians and philosophers today are atheists. They assume that only our physical and material world exists and that their understanding of modern physics is, if not complete, at least sufficient.

So, they believe that human brain is the complete seat of our consciousness and when we die, our brain decays and everything is lost. There cannot be an afterlife.

One would assume that these top intellectuals have thought through the possibilities and they are smartly participating in Pascal Wager: Is there a God and is there afterlife?

Turns out that most of them have not done their home work. There are at least ten different proposed interpretations of quantum mechanics. The most accepted is the Copenhagen interpretation. The second most recognized invoked is that of Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI), which is upheld by most cosmologists including the proponent of inflationary theory in cosmology, Alan Guth. Among all physicists some 15-20% subscribe to this interpretation.

The Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of quantum mechanics is a theoretical framework that posits the existence of multiple, parallel universes corresponding to every possible outcome of a quantum event. Proposed by physicist Hugh Everett III in 1957, MWI challenges the traditional Copenhagen interpretation by eliminating the concept of wave function collapse, suggesting instead that all potential outcomes are realized in separate, non-communicating branches of the universe. Wikipedia

Key Concepts of the Many-Worlds Interpretation

• Universal Wave Function: In MWI, the wave function describes not just individual particles but the entire universe. This universal wave function evolves deterministically over time, encompassing all possible states and outcomes. Wikipedia
• Branching Universes: When a quantum event with multiple possible outcomes occurs, the universe splits into distinct branches, each representing a different outcome. For example, in a quantum measurement with two possible results, the universe bifurcates into two separate realities, each containing an observer who has witnessed one of the outcomes. Wikipedia
• No Wave Function Collapse: Unlike the Copenhagen interpretation, which involves the collapse of the wave function upon measurement, MWI maintains that the wave function never collapses. Instead, all possible outcomes continue to exist in a vast multiverse. Wikipedia

Implications and Challenges

• Determinism and Probability: MWI presents a deterministic view of quantum mechanics, where all outcomes occur. However, it raises questions about the nature of probability and how to reconcile our subjective experience of randomness with the deterministic branching of universes.
• Testability: One of the primary criticisms of MWI is the challenge of empirical verification. Since the parallel universes are non-communicating, it is unclear how one might design experiments to confirm their existence. Proposals involving macroscopic superpositions have been suggested but remain beyond current experimental capabilities. Wikipedia
• Philosophical Considerations: MWI has profound implications for our understanding of reality, identity, and the nature of existence. It challenges classical notions of a single, objective reality and introduces complex questions about the self and personal identity across multiple universes.

Recent Developments

Advancements in quantum computing have reignited discussions about MWI. For instance, Google’s development of the quantum chip “Willow,” which solved complex problems at unprecedented speeds, has led some physicists to suggest that such computational feats lend credence to the notion of quantum computation occurring in many parallel universes. However, this interpretation remains a topic of debate within the scientific community.

GOOGLE claims a breakthrough quantum chip called Willow may prove the existence of parallel universes.

The gob-smacking theory came as Willow took just five minutes to solve a computational problem so hard it would have taken today’s super-computers around 10 septillion years to crack.

The quantum chip’s performance has been labelled as “astonishing” by the leader and founder of Google‘s Quantum AI team Hartmut Neven.

He said the ultra-high-speed result – that would have taken another super-computer more than the age of the universe to crack – “lends credence to the notion that quantum computation occurs in many parallel universes”.

Oxford University’s David Deutsch was also credited for proposing the theory that the breakthrough development of quantum computing would affirm the “many worlds interpretation” of quantum mechanics.

This includes the baffling – and terrifying – existence of a multiverse.

Unlike traditional computers that employ 0s and 1s, quantum computers rely on infinitely smaller bits called qubits, TechCrunch reports.

These process information at lightning speeds, therefore allowing them to potentially solve unbelievably complex problems.

Conclusion

If parallel universes exist our inner most thoughts, emotions and consciousness may be preserved in some parallel universe, making afterlife possible. Which to the new instantiation will seem like waking up from an episode of general anesthesia or from deep dreamless sleep.

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