The concept of the Big Bounce proposes that the universe undergoes cycles of expansion and contraction, with each contraction leading to a new "bounce" and the beginning of a new universe. If such a scenario were to occur, it would involve the recycling of matter and energy from the previous universe into the next one.
However, it's important to note that the details and mechanisms of a Big Bounce scenario are still speculative and not yet supported by empirical evidence. As a result, it's difficult to provide definitive answers regarding the fate of individuals in such a hypothetical event. But let's explore the possibilities:
Revival: If the new universe that arises after the Big Bounce contains atoms and structures similar to those in the previous universe, it is conceivable that some form of life, including sentient beings like humans, could potentially arise again. In this case, it's possible that individuals might be "revived" in some sense.
Permanent Death: On the other hand, if the Big Bounce involves a fundamental reorganization of matter and energy, leading to different physical laws or properties in the subsequent universe, it is less likely that individuals from the previous universe would be revived. In this scenario, the previous individuals would remain deceased, and their consciousness or existence might not be reconstituted.
The reason for potential permanent death in this context would be related to the nature of consciousness, identity, and the continuity of individual experience. If the processes that give rise to our consciousness, such as the arrangement of neural networks in our brains or the specific conditions necessary for life as we know it, are disrupted or fundamentally altered during the Big Bounce, it is reasonable to speculate that individual identity and consciousness might not persist or be reestablished in the new universe.
It's important to remember that these are speculative scenarios, and the nature of consciousness, life, and the universe itself are still subjects of ongoing scientific inquiry. Until further evidence or theories emerge, the fate of individuals during a hypothetical Big Bounce remains uncertain.