Overview

The Multiverse is an introduction to the idea that our universe is just one of many universes. Philosophers have proposed that all logically possible universes are equally real. In physics, the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics proposes that every possible outcome of a quantum event exists in its own world. Leading philosopher Jeremy Butterfield presents and assesses three versions of the idea of the multiverse, one from philosophy and two from physics. He explores the ideas of logically possible worlds, the branches of the quantum state, and the bubbles of inflationary cosmology. For each idea, he selects one philosophical question to explore in depth: what is a possible world, what is chance, and what is explanation? Written for students and newcomers, The Multiverse provides an explanation of leading theories, without requiring any prerequisites in philosophy or physics. This book will lead readers to a proper academic understanding of multiverse proposals in logic, quantum theory, and cosmology.

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9781773856964

Table of Contents

Reviews

""Butterfield accomplishes the remarkable feat of combining an insightful and broad account of the physical multiverses with a profound philosophical perspective, concluding with a refreshingly opinionated assessment. An inspiring book."" - Richard Dawid, Stockholm University ""The idea of the multiverse is transformative for physics and philosophy, but often sensationalized. Jeremy Butterfield's clear-eyed and sober-minded synoptic study of philosophical and physical multiverses is an indispensable resource"" - Alastair Wilson, University of Leeds

Butterfield accomplishes the remarkable feat of combining an insightful and broad account of the physical multiverses with a profound philosophical perspective, concluding with a refreshingly opinionated assessment. An inspiring book.--Richard Dawid, Stockholm University The idea of the multiverse is transformative for physics and philosophy, but often sensationalized. Jeremy Butterfield's clear-eyed and sober-minded synoptic study of philosophical and physical multiverses is an indispensable resource--Alastair Wilson, University of Leeds

Author Information

Jeremy Butterfield is a Senior Research Fellow (Emeritus) at Trinity College, University of Cambridge. He is co-author of The Philosophy and Physics of Duality and a Fellow of the British Academy.

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