The Multiverse in Science Fiction, Metaphysics and Natural Science

The Multiverse in Science Fiction, Metaphysics and Natural Science

Mika Oksanen, University of Helsinki

Abstract

In this article I go through the history of the notion of a multiverse, and compare how it has been used in non-fiction (in philosophy and natural science), and in science fiction. Within non-fiction I discuss, among others, modal realism and theories of branching space-time in metaphysics, and within natural science, the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics and the theories of cosmic inflation and braneworlds. In fiction I look (among other subjects) at Victorian precursors of the notion of multiverse, Michael Moorcock’s multiverse, super-hero multiverses, and utopias and dystopias that make use of a multiverse. I also discuss the danger of nihilism raised by many versions of a theory of a multiverse. I also examine and critique, in the light of philosophy and natural science, the feasibility of some common tropes of this type of narrative—like that of a person meeting duplicates or counterparts when traveling through the multiverse.

About the Author:

Mika Oksanen earned a PhD in Theoretical Philosophy from Helsinki University.
His research has mostly concerned themes in metametaphysics, on the borderland between metaphysics and semantics. This includes work on the theory of ontological commitment and the Problem of Universals and the ontology of modality and dispositions and causation. He has also published less academic articles on fantasy and science fiction in small Finnish magazines, including an article on occult detectives in the Cthulhu Mythos.

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Published: 2026 – 06 – 01

Issue: Vol 9 (2026)

Section: Charting the Stars

Copyright (c) 2026 Mika Oksanen

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