The term 'parallel worlds' represents one of the most intriguing and scientifically controversial concepts. The endeavour to understand the existence of another reality parallel to our own, potentially governed by identical physical laws or radically different ones, sparks human curiosity and ignites philosophical and epistemological discourse. This debate around what is known as 'parallel worlds' has transcended the boundaries of science fiction, becoming a significant theme within scientific discourse itself. With increasing scientific developments and modern theories, this idea has begun to shift from mythical realms and imaginative literary narratives into the domain of rigorous academic debate grounded in advanced mathematics and physics. This article explores the concept of parallel worlds from various perspectives. First, we examine the roots of this concept within science fiction and philosophy. Secondly, we present the main theories proposed in modern physics explaining the potential existence of parallel worlds. Lastly, we discuss how to reconcile ongoing scientific debates with the existential and philosophical questions emerging from this notion.
The idea of multiple existences has fascinated human minds since ancient times. Early Eastern civilisations proposed notions of multiple layers of existence, some visible and others hidden or metaphysical. Similarly, ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle proposed various hypotheses regarding 'worlds of forms' or the separation of the tangible world from the world of ideals and essences. Although these philosophers did not explicitly speak of parallel worlds in the modern physical sense, their contemplations on the multiplicity of existential levels and the essence of truth laid the foundational framework for subsequent philosophical and scientific discussions.
During the Middle Ages, metaphysical ideas emerged suggesting multiple dimensions and forms of existence. Some mystical traditions and spiritual interpretations envisioned other worlds parallel to our own, albeit metaphysical or supernatural ones. While these ideas lacked a scientific basis, they introduced preliminary concepts of alternative existences or dimensions, whether material or spiritual. A fundamental shift occurred with the scientific renaissance and the rise of the empirical method. As astronomical and physical theories emerged, scientists began to surpass traditional views, such as Earth-centric models, enabling humanity to see the universe as a vast space containing billions of galaxies. Despite this, the concept of multiple worlds remained outside the strict scientific scope for a considerable period, confined mainly to imaginative literature and idealistic philosophy.
In the early twentieth century, science fiction writers began utilising "parallel worlds" as a significant narrative element. Authors like H G Wells and Isaac Asimov imagined parallel worlds accessible through wormholes or alterations in spacetime fabric. During this era, such ideas were viewed purely as captivating literary speculation without empirical or scientific grounding. With the evolution of science fiction writing, especially from the mid-twentieth century onwards, a period that merged existing scientific knowledge with futuristic visions, speculations about multiverses and parallel worlds increasingly surfaced. Prominent literary works deepened the concept of existential events occurring simultaneously along multiple 'timelines.' This literary exploration not only popularised these ideas among readers, but also paved the way for scientific consideration and experimental research, particularly with advancements in modern physics theories such as quantum mechanics and general relativity.
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