As I look around my home and surroundings, it’s hard to believe I could be part of simulation theory. But, of course, anything is possible, right?

Let’s focus on our basic senses for a moment, shall we? Imagine the sand between your toes, warm and shifting, as you stand under the hot summer sun. You can hear the ocean waves whipping against the shore as swimmers toss to and fro in a funny frenzy. You’re on the beach, and you may even have a nice cool glass of lemonade in your hand… but are you really there?

Could all these things be imagined, or rather created? The simulation theory believes these and even grander scales of life could just be part of a computerized creation. Instead of being on the beach, your consciousness could be somewhere else entirely.

If you’ve ever viewed the movie, “The Matrix”, then you may understand what I mean by the simulation theory. In the film, the main character discovers that he is living in a simulated universe. Everything around him isn’t real, but his own consciousness remains intact.

This gives you a taste of what simulation means. What if, however, even our own consciousness isn’t real and tangible? What if we aren’t really touching our face, running our fingers through our hair or scratching our arm? Just a thought, read on…

Can we prove that we are or aren’t real?

It seems impossible that we may not be here now, as real and organic creatures, isn’t it? I mean, I can pinch myself and I feel real enough. But, I don’t think that’s actually the entire gist of it. In order to wrap our minds around this idea, we must try and imagine just how large this machine must be to keep all of creation inside. It would be a giant computer, right?

Or rather, would it be some cosmic brain? Think of the grand scale, the calculations which must be present to house such an artificial existence. Yes, impossible does sound most likely, I am sure….but for some, it’s right the opposite.

For some, the simulation theory is as good as fact.

Those who believe

Elon Musk supports the simulation theory as well as philosopher Nick Bostrom, with his own simulation hypothesis.

In 2003, at the University of Oxford, Bostrom explored the idea that the simulation theory didn’t so much as resemble the movie “Matrix” where only the environment was simulated, but his idea was that our entire being and all existence was simulated as well. This means everything down to the tiniest particles.

Of course, a simulation of this magnitude would require a computer much bigger, obviously. A computer which could simulate enough of the brain to copy consciousness, not perfectly, but close enough.

So, how much data must be conjured up to create a machine which could house us, the world around us, and also all heavenly bodies we perceive in space? The fact that scientists are coming up with viable numbers gives credit to the simulation theory, wouldn’t you say?

A deeper look at our hopes for the future

Let’s say that we believe we are simulations, already posthumans. Well, if we are, then that means our descendants will be able to conjure up simulations of us, their ancestors. This also means that we will be able to use a conscious mind to interact with them far after our “supposed” death, so to speak.

Unfortunately, if we do not believe we are simulations, then this can never happen for future generations. Just throwing that out there in case you hope you aren’t a simulation. The theory of simulation isn’t all that bad in this case, huh.

Arguments against this theory

As there are arguments that say we are in a simulated universe, there are just as many doubts. Many of us just cannot imagine the idea that any of this science fiction theory could be real.

In fact, scientists, Zohar Ringel and Dmitry Kovrizhi from the University of Oxford and the Hebrew University in Israel, calculated that there aren’t even enough atoms in the universe to store just a couple hundred electrons of information.

Just think of all the information that exists and the magnitude. Yes, we’ve discussed it, but think of it again. Ringel and Kovrizhi also surmised that many phenomena couldn’t be simulated with this theory at all, like mathematical descriptions of the quantum system like gravitational anomalies.

Basically, the number of atoms needed in a simulation is just so incomprehensible.

In truth, we just don’t know

The thought of our organic brains being stored away in some vat is kind of spinetingling, to be honest. Makes me hope the simulation theory isn’t true. And it just may be all science fiction after all.

But even physicists cannot say for certain that we are we aren’t simulations. There are still those who “ride the fence”, for instance, Neil Degrasse Tyson, who has a 50/50 view on the theory.

Although we may never come to the truth of this theory, until then, we shall continue to calculate and measure, speculate and ponder. Maybe one day, we shall have found the facts behind such an intriguing theory.

What say you? How would you feel about being a simulation?

References:

  1. https://www.pbs.org
  2. https://www.washington.edu

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This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Ami Maishlish

    There is more computing power in a present-day cellular phone then there was in the computers that governed the first human landing on the moon. There is more computing power in a smart wristwatch than there was in the computers that Israel employed to win the 6-day war in 1967… etc.

    This article reminiscent of the story in Genesis about the intent in the construction of the Tower of Babel, and also supports the concept of multitudinal multiverse versus universe, as well as of the concept/belief of/in a supreme being – “the curator” or G-d. Neither the existence or non-existence of a multiverse nor of a “creator” or a G-d has been proven empirically; however, one would be hard-pressed to find an agnostic in the trenches or the front-line in battle or facing one’s ultimate perceived demise.

    Emotions and beliefs are deeper than mere apparent empirical evidence; however, who (other than science fiction writers, perhaps) would have thought of present-day smart cellphones or smart wristwatches a mere 50 years ago?

    1. Sherrie Hurd

      I personally doubt we are living in a simulation. There are just too many strange details. And yes, many would argue, “But that’s just it! These details are factored in for realism and interesting content. Well, I believe I’m okay with living this life in the real world even if one day, I am proven wrong.

  2. Holly

    Oddly enough, yes. We’ve been lead by the wrong tour guide on these lands!! Lol. The guide was full disclosure. Gotta give him that. We gave him the wheel and the ability to paint our picture. The picture looked good too!! Mmmhhhmmm!!! Nice and flashy. All us good guys assumed the message came from one with similar, simple and obvious values, like that of their own. We didn’t think to check the foundation in which that picture was painted on. Smh. Who paints pictures on shitty foundations anyways??!! Lol. Shit lovers.
    Sure, most have or will find this out the hard way. Honestly, you’ve picked no better group of people! Hats off. Round of applause.
    We’re the nice and strong ones who will get up. WE eat that shit. All of it. We grow from that shit. Build off of it. Give you crumbs to snatch. You’re welcome btw.
    Just remember, we were only being nice and good, kind hearted people when you tried to steal our shine. Now you get none.

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