Why the Many-Worlds Interpretation May Not Have Significant Ethical Implications

Abstract

The many-worlds interpretation (MWI) of quantum mechanics seems to have profound ethical implications, given its implication of numerous sentient beings. However, the seemingly intuitive implications of extreme caution and exponentially increasing value over time are questionable. Extreme caution, while seemingly minimizing harm across branched worlds, neglects the potential for greater suffering through inaction. Whether in a single world or a multiverse, minimizing expected suffering remains the ethical priority. Furthermore, the argument for extreme caution under MWI applies equally to other multiverse theories, such as the inflationary multiverse. The apparent exponential increase in value over time also appears flawed. MWI, when viewed as equivalent to the inflationary multiverse, involves diverging rather than multiplying worlds. The ‘copies’ exist across vast spatial distances, increasing over time as different outcomes unfold. Therefore, the number of sentient beings doesn’t inherently multiply under MWI, unless one aggregates over an expanding spatial region. Consequently, MWI may not necessitate radical departures from single-world ethical decision-making. – AI-generated abstract.