Theory
Quantum physics is defined here as "a branch of science that deals with discrete, indivisible units of energy called quanta as described by the Quantum Theory." (You can also see a short video explaining it here.) The way I perceive it is that it is the science of explaining the unexplainable.Now, what we see in these movies like Inception, Limitless and Source Code is a deep water dive into the possibilities of the brain. These ideas are formed and explained through Quantum Theory.
- Inception provides us with the theory that time is an illusion and that it can be manipulated. Leonardo DiCaprio and his friends are able to splinter the time-space continuum and embed themselves in the mind of another individual while taking themselves into deeper levels of their brain.
- Limitless explores the notion that human beings use only 20 percent of their brain (although the original concept thought we only used 10%). Through the use of a pill, Bradley Cooper was able to use all 100% of his brain power at one time and for an extended period of time to accomplish amazing things.
- The third movie, Source Code, suggests we can tap into the brain and, again, fragment the time-space continuum. Jake Gyllenhaal's brain is used to go back in "time" to gain information about what caused an event in an effort to prevent another from taking place in the future.
So, the question is, are any of these things possible?
Analysis
Most traditional scientists would say no. However, those same scientists cannot explain much of what Quantum Theory tries to. There are simply things in this universe that we cannot explain and we may never be able to. With that being said, I think the most plausible would be Limitless.
Neurologists will tell you that the 10% (or 20%) theory is a myth and that humans use every part of their brain at one point or another. On the other hand, they will tell you that at a given time, we may only be using 10% of our brain (mostly because different activities use different parts of the brain). Limitless seems to suggest that we only use 20% of our brain at one time and that we could accomplish unbelievable things if we were able to get all of the parts of our brain working in unison.
I think this is possible, although at a great risk. I was glad to see the long-term effects the pill had on people after prolonged use. That made it more realistic to me as having that kind of brain power for that length of time has to have repercussions. On the other hand, I do think a pill that was able to manipulate the brain to fire all of its regions at the same time is possible. I just do not think it could last for very long and that it could have devastating effects, like brain damage or death.
Conclusion
What about the other two? Those are a little more tricky and I honestly do not know enough to make a definitive statement either way. Should Quantum Theory and the belief that time is just an illusion be true, then I guess they are plausible. However, there does not seem to be enough (and there may never be enough) evidence to suggest this is true. So, at this time, I would say they are unlikely. However, as we figure out more about our world and how it, and we, work—possibilities are limitless.
