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Formulate the universal quantum state of the cosmos

Construct an explicit, well-defined expression for the quantum state of the entire cosmos suitable for foundational analysis (e.g., in Everettian quantum mechanics or quantum cosmology), including clear specification of the relevant degrees of freedom and factorization structure.

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Background

The Everettian program invokes a ‘universal’ wave function (Ψ) whose branches underwrite macroscopic worlds, and quantum cosmology posits a cosmic quantum state relevant to inflationary multiverses. Despite their centrality, neither Everettian nor cosmological frameworks presently offer an explicit, detailed formulation of Ψ.

This unresolved status also complicates issues like decoherence-defined factorization and the definition of branches or worlds.

References

Just as I remarked (in Chapter 4.6) that no Everettian has the faintest idea how to write down the Everettian quantum state of the cosmos Ψ, no quantum cosmologist can now write down in detail their quantum state of the cosmos.

The Multiverse: a Philosophical Introduction (2505.23639 - Butterfield, 29 May 2025) in Chapter 5, Section 1