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Martin Rees On The Multiverse, Scientific Research & Reality

Posted by Hemos on from the life-the-universe-and-everything dept.

There's an interesting piece by Martin Rees about the nature of the Uni/Multiverse, as well as some of the underlying mechanics. Also, a good bit on the nature of scientific research. You can get the text or the Real version. Good stuff.

1 of 169 comments (clear)

  1. Multiverse theories scientific? by Dale+Dunn · · Score: 5, Interesting
    What is the basis for multiverse theories? Is there anything in observed physics to indicate their possible existence? Is there any data pointing to a multiverse other than the fact that the idea of existence having a finite beginning is "philosophically repugnant".

    If multiverse theories are based on philosophical preference rather than observed data, are not multiverse theories then properly classified as philosophical or metaphysical rather than scientific? Is there any conceivable test that could prove the existence of another universe? If not, then it seems multiverse theories should be published in philosophical journals, and certainly should not be classified as scientific, since science can neither prove nor disprove them.

    This author may be a brilliant scientist, but I think we should keep in mind that he's speculating outside the realm of science.