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Just for context as a fellow interested noob: That book in particular is more like a manifesto than a survey, so it's not really intended to be 100% convincing, IMO. And AFAICT most of that book is about using the philosophy of the multiverse, not about justifying the physics -- so you definitely shouldn't feel bad coming away with that conclusion. An infinite multiverse is, to say the least, controversial!

For recommendations, assuming the linked articles themselves aren't up for grabs, I really liked The Rigor of Angels for a more historical-philosophical view on quantum physics, and how it compares to its predecessors. I also constantly reccommend this other Quanta article from a few years back, which is shorter and more cohesive than these: https://www.quantamagazine.org/what-is-a-particle-20201112/

Sadly, I think this whole field has an inherent level where it breaks down for non-experts, epistemologically speaking (how appropriate!). Watching Hossenfelder's engaging YouTube videos has taught me one thing above all else: I have no hope of critically engaging with the fine details of modern theories, only the metaphors and stories that surround the math.




What about if these people, despite their special terminology and maths, don't know either, and they're all just acting like they do? Stranger things have happened.




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