Are we living in a simulation and can we prove its existence?
(ORDO NEWS) — The idea that humans might be living in a simulation is surprisingly old.
Back in the 17th century, French philosopher René Descartes put forward the idea, but it really took over the scientific community when Oxford University philosopher Nick Bostrom wrote a paper on the possibility of simulated reality back in 2003.
Bostrom estimated the likelihood that we live inside some kind of ultra-modern alien computer.
The article acknowledges that there is some compelling evidence that is potentially detrimental to the idea of avoiding simulation (if simulation exists).
For example, knowledge of the simulation itself does not seem to affect its existence, nor do religions that all appeal to some external simulator have no measurable effect or interference (previous researchers have suggested exactly this idea).
Also, running incredibly complex machines that produce astounding results, such as the Large Hadron Collider, doesn’t seem to affect any kind of simulation.
Of course, the question arises as to why people would want to leave the simulation, for example, Neo’s exit from the matrix experience was not entirely pleasant.
Yampolsky argues that access to basic reality can increase our computational ability and give us access to “real” knowledge, rather than simulated physics of the universe.
The consequences of such an escape plan are also unknown.
Yampolsky acknowledges that such investigations come with existential risks, and even allows for the possibility that simulators have rebooted the simulation with enhanced security features, effectively erasing our collective memory.
It’s probably impossible to know with 100 percent certainty whether we’re living in a simulation.
Therefore, it is worth accepting the current realities and continuing to develop technologies that may give an answer to the question indicated in the article.
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