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arXiv · 1812.01909

The Problem of Boltzmann Brains and How Bohmian Mechanics Helps Solve It

Roderich Tumulka
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Abstract

Most versions of classical physics imply that if the 4-volume of the entire space-time is infinite or at least extremely large, then random fluctuations in the matter will by coincidence create copies of us in remote places, so called "Boltzmann brains." That is a problem because it leads to the wrong prediction that _we_ should be Boltzmann brains. The question arises, how can any theory avoid making this wrong prediction? In quantum physics, it turns out that the discussion requires a formulation of quantum theory that is more precise than the orthodox interpretation. Using Bohmian mechanics for this purpose, we point out a possible solution to the problem based on the phenomenon of "freezing" of configurations.

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Roderich Tumulka. 2018-12-05. The Problem of Boltzmann Brains and How Bohmian Mechanics Helps Solve It. https://arxiv.org/abs/1812.01909

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