PBS Space Time Season 2020 Episode 5 Are There Infinite Versions of You?

In the fifth episode of the 2020 season of PBS Space Time, the question we're exploring is whether there are infinite versions of you. This thought-provoking and mind-bending inquiry takes us on a journey through the universal concepts of time, space, and probability.

The episode begins with an exploration of the concept of parallel universes, an idea that has captivated scientists and science fiction enthusiasts alike. We delve into the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, in which every event creates a branching universe, leading to an infinite number of possible universes. This means that there could be a universe where every possible outcome of every possible decision is played out.

But how does this relate to the idea of infinite versions of ourselves? The answer lies in the fact that if every possible outcome of every possible decision is played out, then there must be versions of ourselves that made different choices and subsequently lived different lives. In other words, for every decision we make, there's a universe in which we made the opposite decision.

The episode then tackles the question of why we can't see or interact with these other universes. We learn that the reason is simply because they exist in a different branch of spacetime, meaning we can't cross over into them. The laws of physics prevent us from moving between them, even if they do exist.

Another fascinating aspect of the concept of infinite versions of ourselves is the idea of probability. We explore the idea that if an event has a likelihood of happening, there's a universe where it did happen, and a universe where it didn't. We learn that this means that the probability of an event happening doesn't tell us whether it happened in our universe, just whether it happened at all. This raises the intriguing possibility that every time we flip a coin, there's a universe where it landed on heads, and a universe where it landed on tails.

The episode then moves on to address the philosophical implications of this theory. If there are infinite versions of ourselves out there, then it follows that there are versions of ourselves that have lived different lives, made different choices, and had different experiences. While this may seem like a comforting thought, it raises the question of whether there's any meaning or purpose to our lives if there are an infinite number of versions of ourselves living out every possible scenario.

We also learn that this theory has ramifications for the idea of free will. If every version of ourselves is living out every possible scenario, are we really in control of our lives, or are we simply playing out a predetermined script? This idea challenges our fundamental understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.

In conclusion, the fifth episode of the 2020 season of PBS Space Time explores the mind-bending concept of whether there are infinite versions of ourselves. We delve into the idea of parallel universes, probability, and the philosophical implications of this theory. While this idea may seem fantastical, it challenges our understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe, and is sure to leave viewers with plenty to ponder.