2006-09-01 03:07:14 · 14 answers · asked by n7stor 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
"Our universe" means all that there is, was, ever will be. So there is nothing greater than the universe.
Whether your perception of things is one possibility among many--sure, that's true. Whether these possibilities exist somewhere else (eg the multiple-worlds interpretation of QM) is undecidable within QM, and so not really a scientific question wihin QM. So I'd say such a whole would have to be defined by some other "larger" theory.
2006-09-01 03:43:26 · answer #1 · answered by Benjamin N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isa possibity if you take 'Universe' to mean the scaled 'observable' universe - the thing that we appear to live in that we perceive as being reality - 'the material' universe. (remembering that our senses are extremely limited and can percieve very little of what is out there in terms of sound, light etc on the electromagnetic spectrum)..
Some experiments with photons - and within quantum mechanics- seems to indicate that the universe has other levels beyond our perception, giving rise to the 'Multiple Universes' theory. So it is possible that there are many different levels of 'universes' - at which point we have to revise what we mean by that term. Do we mean that little bit we call home - the level of physical reality that we can detect with our natural senses - and the extra toys we have built to enhance those senses - or do we mean.. as one or two answerers here have commented... the whole darn lot - universe as it EVERYTHING.
You have already accepted some of this argument by using the phrase 'our material universe' in your question. So are you asking something for confirmation of what you have already decided ?
If you were looking for empirical evidence, there really isn't any -only observations and attempts to make sense of what is observed. But very often one has to take a side. Find the simplest explaination. And science loves the idea of Occam's razor - have a good shave and what's left after the stubble has been removed bound to be smooth and cool... then you splash on some smellies and you're bound to get the ladies excited.
2006-09-01 05:49:21 · answer #2 · answered by Colin A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the only honest and accurate answer is, it's too soon to say. First you would need to decide what you would accept as evidence for the existence of "a greater quantum whole" (as opposed to a 'greater quantum hole'). Then decide where to look for it and then go look.
At the moment we can only do that mathematically and, therefore, to get someone to answer the question accurately in that form you would need to ask it mathematically too.
Then you'll know - or not!
2006-09-01 04:16:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a problem with the definition of "universe" it is basically everything that exists. "observable universe" is what ever part of "universe" which is visible to us.
I think we should redefine "universe" as what ever was created by the BIGBANG.
assuming this then universe might very well exist withing a "greater quantum whole".
I think we live in just one layer of an onion we have numerous smaller layers as well as larger layers.......we might never find out either of these exteremes.....
2006-09-01 04:08:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would depend upon which mathematical formula(s) are being used. There are all kinds of theories about this. Since we cannot "see" anything beyond our universe, it is all speculation, and it is all in a set of equations. These cover other universes, other dimensions, etc.
2006-09-01 04:03:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This all stems from the similarity between a model of our solar system and a model of an atom.
In fact there is no similarity except that the models look similar, so the answer is no. Sorry.
2006-09-01 10:20:12 · answer #6 · answered by Henry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
our whole universe is the electron in a hydrogen atom, making up part of a methane molecule, rising up from a tank of sewage in a whole other universe
2006-09-01 03:17:11 · answer #7 · answered by Vinni and beer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe but i dont think so because the universe is huge and its expanding all the time so if there is another stage up it would be mindblowing
2006-09-03 23:46:42 · answer #8 · answered by Richard H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes It has to
Read the theory on antimatter in which it says that there has to be another universeso if there's one more then why not a hundred or more
2006-09-01 04:45:54 · answer #9 · answered by amandeep s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Definatetly. Thank you for asking.
2006-09-01 03:08:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋