Have we proved the parallel universe theory?
The idea that there might be parallel universes out there as an explanation of the peculiarities of quantum mechanics is topical as we await the opening in a few days of the first film in Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” inventive trilogy [my review of the books start here] which has the notion as central to the plotting.
Indeed it is reported in some quarters that the theory is about to be proved. I’m personally skeptical about the notion, but what is for sure is that it not about to be proved any time soon. Writing in an article in today’s “Guardian”, Jim Al-Khalili, professor of physics and of the public engagement in science at the University of Surrey, states:
“It turns out that there is no proof that the multiverse exists, but rather that one of the main objections to it has been removed by an argument in logic and algebra that has yet to appear in any peer-reviewed scientific journal.”