Description

This article is from the The Terminator FAQ, by Karsten A. Loepelmann kloepel@connect.ab.ca with numerous contributions by others.

6.2 How can Skynet exist if the chip and arm were destroyed? (The Terminator)

According to the classical, single timeline/universe view, it is impossible --
unless Cyberdyne Systems develops Skynet technology *independently* of any
help from the future.

Assuming the existence of a multiverse of timelines, this situation can also
be explained. In the universe in which we see the Terminator technology
destroyed, Skynet will never exist. However, there must exist at least *one*
timeline/universe in which Skynet technology is developed. This may occur
due to: a) Cyberdyne independently creating the technology, or b) Terminator
remains originating from yet *another* timeline are left behind. Thus, the
movies must chronicle *two* different universes: one with the hellish future
dominated by Skynet, the other is the one saved by Sarah and John.

Continue to:

• prev: 6.1 How did the (liquid metal) T-1000 travel to the past? Didn't they destroy the time machine? (The Terminator)
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• next: 6.3 If John gave a speech to Reese in 2029, who gave it to Sarah and conceived John in 1984, and then Sarah told it to John, then who wrote the bloody speech? (The Terminator)