Omega point (Tipler)
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The Omega Point is a term used by Tulane University professor of mathematics and physics Frank J. Tipler to describe a hypothetical cosmological scenario in the far future of the Universe. According to the omega point theory, as the Universe comes to an end in a Big Crunch, the computational capacity of the Universe is capable of increasing at a sufficient rate that this computation rate is accelerating exponentially faster than time runs out. In principle, a simulation run on this Universe-computer can thus continue forever in its own terms, even though the external Universe lasts only a finite time. This theory assumes that certain cosmological variables prove that the universe will eventually contract, and that there will be intelligent civilizations in existence at the appropriate time to exploit the computational capacity of such an environment.
Tipler identifies this asymptotic state of infinite information capacity with God. The implication of this theory for present-day humans is that this ultimate cosmic computer will essentially be able to resurrect everyone who has ever lived, by recreating all possible quantum brain states within the master simulation. This would manifest as a simulated reality, except without the necessity for physical bodies in "reality". From the perspective of the inhabitant, the Omega Point represents an infinite-duration afterlife, which could take any imaginable form due to its virtual nature.
Recent observations suggesting an accelerating universe mean that the Big Crunch, on which the theory was originally predicated, is now thought an unlikely scenario. However, Professor Tipler has recently amended his views to accommodate an accelerating universe if the acceleration results from a positive cosmological constant. He proposes baryon tunnelling as a means of propelling interstellar spacecraft. If the baryons in the universe were to be annihilated by this process, then this would force the Higgs field toward its absolute vacuum, cancelling the positive cosmological constant, stopping the acceleration, and allowing the universe to collapse into the omega point.
Recent ideas in modern physics might suggest that time and space are not infinitely divisible, but instead have a discrete nature. Should these ideas turn out to be true, it will constitute a serious (and even insurmountable) hurdle to the Omega point idea, which relies heavily on the (assumed) existence of increasingly smaller and smaller intervals of time and space.
Assuming that achieving the Omega Point is physically possible, Tipler hypothesizes this would be accomplished by "downloaded" human consciousness in tiny quantum computers that could exponentially explore space, many times faster than biological human beings. The incredible expense of keeping humans alive in space implies that humans will never personally travel to other stars. Instead, highly efficient artificial intelligences ("Mind Children" as Tipler calls them, perhaps taking the term from a 1988 book of the same name by Hans Moravec), will spread civilization throughout space. This should start as early as 2100. Small spaceships under constant heavy acceleration could reach nearby stars in less than a decade. In 1 million years, these intelligent "von Neumann probes" would have completely consumed the Milky Way galaxy. In 100 million years, the Virgo Supercluster would be colonized. From this point on the entire visible universe would be engulfed as it approaches the point of maximum expansion. Once in total control of all mass in the universe, the Omega Point is inevitable.
