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The '''multiverse hypothesis''' postulates that multiple universes exist, and it is a consequence of one of the interpretations of [[quantum mechanics]]. Its origins lie in a 1957 thesis by [[Hugh Everett]], who offered a 'many worlds' interpretation (MWI) of some of the phenomena observed in quantum mechanical situations, such as the [[double-slit experiment]]. The multiverse hypothesis attempts to avoid the significant body of evidence supporting the fine-tuning of the universe (see: [[Anthropic principle]]).  

The '''multiverse hypothesis''' postulates that multiple universes exist, and it is a consequence of one of the interpretations of [[quantum mechanics]]. Its origins lie in a 1957 thesis by [[Hugh Everett]], who offered a 'many worlds' interpretation (MWI) of some of the phenomena observed in quantum mechanical situations, such as the [[double-slit experiment]]. The multiverse hypothesis attempts to avoid the significant body of evidence supporting the fine-tuning of the universe (see: [[Anthropic principle]]).  

In his 2003 ''NY Times'' opinion piece, ''A Brief History of the Multiverse,'' author and cosmologist, Paul Davies, offers a variety of arguments that multiverse hypotheses are non-scientific:

In his 2003 ''NY Times'' opinion piece, ''A Brief History of the Multiverse,'' the cosmologist Paul Davies offers a variety of arguments that multiverse hypotheses are non-scientific:

{{cquote|For a start, how is the existence of the other universes to be tested? To be sure, all cosmologists accept that there are some regions of the universe that lie beyond the reach of our telescopes, but somewhere on the slippery slope between that and the idea that there are an infinite number of universes, credibility reaches a limit. As one slips down that slope, more and more must be accepted on faith, and less and less is open to scientific verification. Extreme multiverse explanations are therefore reminiscent of theological discussions. Indeed, invoking an infinity of unseen universes to explain the unusual features of the one we do see is just as ad hoc as invoking an unseen Creator. The multiverse theory may be dressed up in scientific language, but in essence it requires the same leap of faith.<ref>{{cite news |title=A Brief History of the Multiverse |first=Paul |last=Davies |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/12/opinion/a-brief-history-of-the-multiverse.html?pagewanted=all], ''New York Times'', April 12, 2003</ref>}}

{{cquote|For a start, how is the existence of the other universes to be tested? To be sure, all cosmologists accept that there are some regions of the universe that lie beyond the reach of our telescopes, but somewhere on the slippery slope between that and the idea that there are an infinite number of universes, credibility reaches a limit. As one slips down that slope, more and more must be accepted on faith, and less and less is open to scientific verification. Extreme multiverse explanations are therefore reminiscent of theological discussions. Indeed, invoking an infinity of unseen universes to explain the unusual features of the one we do see is just as ad hoc as invoking an unseen Creator. The multiverse theory may be dressed up in scientific language, but in essence it requires the same leap of faith.<ref>{{cite news |title=A Brief History of the Multiverse |first=Paul |last=Davies |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/12/opinion/a-brief-history-of-the-multiverse.html?pagewanted=all], ''New York Times'', April 12, 2003</ref>}}