Quantum Ethics? Suffering in the Multiverse

Abstract

The abolitionist project argues for the elimination of suffering through biotechnology, potentially leading to a future without suffering. However, this outcome may be less positive than it appears. A block-universe model of spacetime suggests that past suffering remains a fixed part of reality. Furthermore, the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics posits a multiverse containing numerous branches where sentient life evolves, but only a small fraction will develop the capacity to abolish suffering. Therefore, suffering likely persists indefinitely in most branches. Eternal chaotic inflation scenarios further suggest that the total amount of suffering in reality is increasing exponentially, making any local eradication insignificant. While these scenarios are speculative, they highlight the potential limitations of the abolitionist project within a broader cosmological context. – AI-generated abstract.