Microsoft Word Kurzweil, Ray The Singularity Is Near doc

The Multiverse.
Recently a more Darwinian approach to the strong anthropic principle has been proposed. Consider 
that it is possible for mathematical equations to have multiple solutions. For example, if we solve for 
x
in the equation 
x
2
= 4, 
x
may be 2 or -2. Some equations allow for an infinite number of solutions. In the equation (
a
– 
b
) 
°
x
= 0, 
x
can take on anyone of an infinite number of values if 
a
= 
b
(since any number multiplied by zero equals zero). It turns 
out that the equations for recent string theories allow in principle for an infinite number of solutions. To be more 
precise, since the spatial and temporal resolution of the universe is limited to the very small Planck constant, the 
number of solutions is not literally infinite but merely vast. String theory implies, therefore, that many different sets of 
natural constants are possible.
This has led to the idea of the multiverse: that there exist a vast number of universes, of which our humble 
universe is only one. Consistent with string theory, each of these universes can have a different set of physical 
constants. 
Evolving Universes.
Leonard Susskind, the discoverer of string theory, and Lee Smolin, a theoretical physicist and 
expert on quantum gravity, have suggested that universes give rise to other universes in a natural, evolutionary process 
that gradually refines the natural constants. In other words it is not by accident that the rules and constants of our 
universe are ideal for evolving intelligent life but rather that they themselves evolved to be that way. 
In Smolin's theory the mechanism that gives rise to new universes is the creation of black holes, so those universes 
best able to produce black holes are the ones that are most likely to reproduce. According to Smolin a universe best 
able to create increasing complexity—that is, biological life—is also most likely to create new universe-generating 
black holes. As he explains, "Reproduction through black holes leads to a multiverse in which the conditions for life 
are common—essentially because some of the conditions life requires, such as plentiful carbon, also boost the 
formation of stars massive enough to become black holes."
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Susskind's proposal differs in detail from Smolin's but is 
also based on black holes, as well as the nature of "inflation," the force that caused the very early universe to expand 
rapidly.