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The Basic Principles of the Many-Worlds Interpretation

The Many-Worlds Theory imagines the universe as a collection of possible states that do not overlap. This means that for every decision or event, there are multiple possible outcomes, each taking place in its own parallel universe.

These parallel universes exist alongside our own but are not directly connected. Each universe represents an alternative reality where things develop differently. As sci-fi as it may sound, it is a serious scientific theory supported by experiments.

The origin of the Many-Worlds Theory lies in the double-slit experiment. In this experiment, individual electrons are shot one by one through two slits. They do not behave like classic particles that simply go through one slit. Instead, they behave like waves, passing through both slits at the same time and creating an interference pattern. This pattern only disappears when we measure which slit the electron actually went through.

There are two possible explanations for this. The Copenhagen interpretation says that the electron exists in a so-called superposition, meaning it is in all possible states at once until it is observed. The Many-Worlds interpretation, on the other hand, suggests that all possible paths the electron could take actually exist simultaneously in different universes.

Closing Words

What I find particularly fascinating about the Many-Worlds theory is the idea of infinite possibilities for the universe and life as we know it. You naturally wonder what this means for the purpose of our individual existence. But in the end, it doesn't really matter because our decisions only count in this universe.