Is our world a simulation?
I think yes.What do u think?
shareThere are a few hypotheses, that indeed, we live in a simulation. For example, the most recent argument by Nick Bostrom:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Bostrom#Simulation_argument
great thread!
shareThere are a few hypotheses, that indeed, we live in a simulation. For example, the most recent argument by Nick Bostrom:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Bostrom#Simulation_argument
Funny how amidst a thread containing extremely long-winded posts that say virtually nothing, a message comprised of a single sentence is the most informative.
This is a fascinating topic that's been studied rigorously by folks in various fields of math and science, and has led to questions like "Is consciousness computable?", "Is the universe computable?", "If we were in a simulation, could we look to physics/cosmology/astronomy to find evidence of this?".
The latter question is particularly riveting, and has been addressed in various ways. James Gates Jr., a physicist, claims that certain mathematical equations in physics appear to contain the kind of error-correcting codes that one might expect to find in a computer simulation. There are also theories about cosmic rays being possible indicators of a simulated universe. Again, utterly fascinating topic.
Anywho, after reading some of Nick Bostrom's ideas, there is a very simple argument for the likelihood that we are indeed in a simulation and not the "real world". You need only grant a few simple things to make this argument work.
1. Consciousness is computable at its base level, meaning with sufficient technology and knowledge of the brain, you could simulate a conscious being. Most scientists in relevant fields believe this is the case.
2. A civilization, such as ours for example, could become technologically advanced enough to create this type of simulation. Not at all a stretch, as it is widely believed we will be able to do this ourselves in the near future.
3. This hypothetical civilization will indeed begin implementing these types of simulations. Again, not a stretch, as we are creating simulations even now for purposes of scientific testing, curiosity, games, etc.
4. Simulated universes will outnumber real universes. Multiverse theory could pose a real problem here, but in the interests of pursuing the overall argument, let's assume there is only one universe.
Once you grant these four premises, it becomes a simple matter of probability to calculate that you're much more likely to be in one of the many simulations rather than the sole "real world".
share