Infinite Worlds: A Journey through Parallel Universes

The multiverse hypothesis, suggesting that our universe is but one of perhaps infinitely many, speaks to the very nature of reality. Join physicist Brian Greene, cosmologists Alan Guth and Andrei Linde, and philosopher Nick Bostrom as they discuss and debate this controversial implication of forefront research and explore its potential for redefining the cosmic order. Moderated by Robert Krulwich and featuring an original musical interlude, inspired by parallel worlds, by DJ Spooky.

This program is part of the Big Ideas Series, made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

The World Science Festival gathers great minds in science and the arts to produce live and digital content that allows a broad general audience to engage with scientific discoveries. Our mission is to cultivate a general public informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future.

Original Program Date: June 13, 2009
MODERATOR: Robert Krulwich
PARTICIPANTS: Alan Guth, Brian Greene, Andrei Linde, Paul D. Miller, Nick Bostrom

Introduction with Brian Greene 00:00

Musical interlude 25:15

Participant Introductions 33:49

How do we know there was a Big Bang 35:50

How do we get from a single universe to a multiverse. 47:14

Is the universe expanding and how fast? 01:00:25

What does six dimensional space look like? 01:08:00

How do we know there is a multiverse? 01:13:48

Bryce DeWitt on the multiverse concept 01:24:40

What if we assume the universe is the simulation hypothesis? 01:37:14

This program is part of The Big Idea Series, made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.