Parallel universe often refers to

parallel universes in fiction A parallel universe, also known as a parallel dimension, alternate universe, or alternate reality, is a hypothetical self-contained plane of existence, co-existing with one's own. The sum of all potential parallel universes that constitute reali ...

, a self-contained separate world, universe or reality coexisting with the real world, which is used as a recurring plot point or setting used in fantasy and science fiction. Parallel universe may also refer to:

Science

* The many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, which implies the existence of parallel universes *

Multiverse The multiverse is a hypothetical group of multiple universes. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, information, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. The di ...

, a group of multiple universes

Philosophy

* Possible world, a construct in metaphysics to bring rigor to talk of logical possibility *

Modal realism Modal realism is the view propounded by philosopher David Lewis that all possible worlds are real in the same way as is the actual world: they are "of a kind with this world of ours." It is based on the following tenets: possible worlds exist; p ...

, an account of possible worlds according to which they are all just as real as the actual world *

Extended modal realism Extended modal realism is a metaphysical theory developed by Takashi Yagisawa. It concerns the question of what it means that something is possible or necessary. Modal realism is the view that besides the actual world, there are many possible worl ...

, the view that all worlds, possible as well as impossible, are as real as the actual world

Arts and media

Alternate history Alternate history (also alternative history, althist, AH) is a genre of speculative fiction of stories in which one or more historical events occur and are resolved differently than in real life. As conjecture based upon historical fact, altern ...

, a genre of fiction consisting of stories that are set in worlds in which historical events unfold differently from the real world *

Alternative universe (fan fiction) An alternative universe (also known as AU, alternate universe, alternative timeline, alternate timeline, alternative reality, or alternate reality) is a setting for a work of fan fiction that departs from the canon of the fictional universe that ...

, fiction by fan authors that deliberately alters universe written about *

List of fiction employing parallel universes The following is a list of fiction employing parallel universes or alternate realities. Literature * Nayantara Ghosh Indian Writer, Poet, Tennis Player, wrote ''Ayame's Parallel Universe,'' a story about a Japanese high school student, Aya ...

Literature, film, and television

* "Parallel Universe" (''Red Dwarf''), a 1988 episode of ''Red Dwarf'' * ''Parallel Universes'' (film), a 2001 BBC/Horizon documentary film * Mirror Universe (''Star Trek''), a fictional parallel universe in which several Star Trek television episodes take place

Music

* ''Parallel Universe'' (4hero album), the second album by the drum and bass group 4hero * ''Parallel Universe'' (Garnet Crow album), the eighth studio album by Japanese group Garnet Crow * ''Parallel Universe'', the eighth studio album by American band

Plain White T's Plain White T's are an American Rock music, rock band from Lombard, Illinois, formed in 1997 by high school friends Tom Higgenson, Dave Tirio, and Ken Fletcher, and joined a short time later by Steve Mast. The group had a mostly underground music, ...

* "Parallel Universe" (song), a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the 1999 album ''Californication'' * ''Parallel Dimensions'' (album), a 2008 album by Perseo Miranda

Science

Philosophy

Arts and media

Literature, film, and television

Music

See also