Is Reality Real? The Simulation Argument
We humans are unable to experience the true nature of the universe, unfiltered. Our senses and brains can only process a fraction of the world. So we have to use concepts and tools to learn about the true nature of reality.
Technological progress not only widened our knowledge about the universe, it also made us aware of unsettling possibilities. In the future, it might become possible to simulate entire universes. But if this is an option, how can we know that it hasn't already happened? What if we are not creators but creations? Is it possible that we are not real, and we don't even know it?
If our current understanding of physics is correct, it's impossible to simulate the entire universe with its trillions and trillions of things. But in reality, we don't need to simulate everything. We only need enough universe to fool the inhabitants of our simulation into thinking that they're real. We only need the space our subjects are allowed to explore. The vast universe could just be a flat projection, and they would have no way to know.
When it comes to small things like cells or bacteria, we don't necessarily need to simulate them. What we perceive under a microscope could be instantly created, and even the atoms making up objects like chairs don't need to be fully simulated. Only the outermost layer may be necessary, with the inside being empty until it is observed or interacted with.
The minimum requirement for our simulation is the consciousness of our virtual humans. Our subjects just need to think the simulation is real. However, whether we are being simulated or not depends on a few conditions that need to be met. These assumptions are based on a modified version of the simulation argument by Nick Bostrom:
It's possible to simulate consciousness: Assuming we can generate consciousness by simulating a brain, the complexity of simulating the entire history of humanity would require a computer capable of handling an enormous number of operations per second.
Technological progress will not stop anytime soon: If technological progress continues, there may be advanced civilizations with unlimited computer power, potentially able to simulate thousands or millions of simulated humanities simultaneously.
Advanced civilizations don't destroy themselves: If all civilizations eventually destroy themselves, there would be no simulations. The existence of potential barriers or "Great Filters" that life must overcome could explain the absence of observable alien civilizations.
Super advanced civilizations want to run simulations: We cannot know the motivations or desires of posthuman civilizations, but if they want to run simulations and the previous assumptions hold true, there is a nonzero chance of living in a simulation.
If there are a lot of simulations, you are probably inside a simulation: Assuming posthuman beings have access to unlimited computing power, it would be convenient for them to run millions or billions of simulations. In this case, the likelihood of being one of the simulated beings is high.
It's important to note that these assumptions cannot be tested currently, and many scientists disagree with the whole thought experiment. Burning your house down or attempting drastic measures won't provide any answers. Whether we are simulated or not, not much changes for us as individuals. All we can do is try to live good lives and have a good time, regardless of the nature of our reality.
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