Simulation Hypothesis

A Simulation Hypothesis is a hypothesis that ...

• See: The Matrix, Simulated Reality, Computer Simulation, Computing, Nick Bostrom, Skeptical Scenario.

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation_hypothesis Retrieved:2024-6-4.
  • The simulation hypothesis proposes that what humans experience as the world is actually a simulated reality, such as a computer simulation in which humans themselves are constructs. There has been much debate over this topic, ranging from philosophical discourse to practical applications in computing. The simulation hypothesis, as formulated by Nick Bostrom, is part of a long tradition of skeptical scenarios. It was presented by Bostrom as not merely a philosophical speculation, but an empirical claim with quantifiable probabilities. The hypothesis has received criticism from some physicists, such as Sabine Hossenfelder who has called it pseudoscience and religion, and cosmologist George F. R. Ellis, who stated that "[the hypothesis] is totally impracticable from a technical viewpoint", and that "late-night pub discussion is not a viable theory". Versions of the hypothesis have also been featured in science fiction, appearing as a central plot device in many stories and films, such as The Matrix.

• • NOTES:
    • It proposes that what humans experience as reality is actually a simulated environment, similar to a computer simulation where humans are constructs.
    • It suggests that if future civilizations possess advanced computing power, they might create numerous simulations of their ancestors, leading to the possibility that we are living in one of these simulations.
    • [It is supported by the idea that if many such simulations are created, the probability that we are living in the original reality is very low.
    • It has been criticized by some physicists who argue that it is impractical from a technical standpoint and lacks empirical evidence.
    • It has deep philosophical roots, with parallels to ancient philosophical skepticism about the nature of reality, such as Plato's allegory of the cave and Descartes' evil demon.
    • It has been popularized in science fiction, appearing as central themes in works like "The Matrix" and "Simulacron-3".
    • It raises important questions about consciousness, ethics, and the nature of existence, challenging our understanding of reality and prompting debates about the implications of living in a simulated universe.

2023

• (Overbye, 2023) ⇒ Dennis Overbye. (2023). "Are We Living in a Computer Simulation, and Can We Hack It?" The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/17/science/cosmology-universe-programming.html.
  • NOTES:
    • This article discusses the scientific and technological aspects of the simulation hypothesis, focusing on whether it's possible to detect or manipulate the simulation.
    • It includes viewpoints from various physicists and cosmologists on the feasibility of the hypothesis.

2022

• (Manjoo, 2022) ⇒ Farhad Manjoo. (2022). "We Might Be in a Simulation. How Much Should That Worry Us?" The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/opinion/virtual-reality-simulation.html.
  • NOTES:
    • This article explores the philosophical and ethical implications of the simulation hypothesis, including its impact on human behavior and society.
    • It provides an overview of different perspectives on the likelihood and significance of living in a simulated reality.

2021

• (Hossenfelder, 2021) ⇒ Sabine Hossenfelder. (2021). "The Simulation Hypothesis is Pseudoscience." BackReAction. http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-simulation-hypothesis-is.html.
  • NOTES:
    • Sabine Hossenfelder criticizes the simulation hypothesis, arguing that it lacks scientific rigor and is more akin to a religious belief.
    • The article delves into the technical and philosophical flaws of the hypothesis, highlighting the challenges in proving or disproving it.

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