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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!pwa-b!mmintl!franka
From: franka@mmintl.UUCP (Frank Adams)
Newsgroups: net.physics
Subject: Re: Quantum Mechanics
Message-ID: <495@mmintl.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 16-Jul-85 19:17:38 EDT
Article-I.D.: mmintl.495
Posted: Tue Jul 16 19:17:38 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 20-Jul-85 04:29:15 EDT
Reply-To: franka@mmintl.UUCP (Frank Adams)
Organization: Multimate International, E. Hartford, CT
Lines: 28
Summary: Does multiple worlds explain anything?



I have a problem accepting the multiple worlds explanation for quantum
mechanics.  Let me state up front that I am not a physicist, and do not
understand quantum mechanics in any detail.  However, I think (hope) that
I understand it well enough that what follows is not nonsense.  If I am
wrong, please tell me so.

Basically, those who prefer multiple worlds over instantaneously collapsing
probability fields seem to object to the fact that the latter transmit
something which is rather like information at a speed faster than light.
It seems to me that the multiple worlds explanation has the same problem --
the split into multiple worlds must take place at faster than the speed
of light.  That is, an event (measurement) at a point A causes a point B
to be in one of two worlds (or each of two different worlds) before a signal
from A can reach B.  I suppose one would say that the seperation into
different worlds is instantaneous - but what is instantaneous?

One cannot say that the separation into multiple worlds took place BEFORE
the measurement -- because then the state of the system would be determined
in any one world, and we get the same predictions as are derived from the
"hidden variables" explanation -- predictions which appear to be counter to
the experimental evidence.  (I also don't think that is what the multiple
worlds explanation says, but (a) I'm not sure, and (b) I want to cut down
on irrelevant comments.)

I think what I'm saying is that the multiple worlds theory doesn't help
AT ALL in explaining what goes on in any one world (which is all we have,
ultimately).  If it does, could someone please explain how?