Reality as a computer simulation: It’s very iffy
Copyright 2022, InterAmerica, Inc.
David Chalmers (whose book is pictured) is University
Professor of Philosophy and Natural Science and codirector of the Center for
Mind, Brain, and Consciousness at New
York University.
His book is about reality as a computer simulation, and contains a raft of sci-fi novels (and short stories) with simu- lation(s) as the gist.
On page 29 he writes: “What exactly is the simulation hypo- thesis? [Nick] Bostrom’s ver- sion says simply, ‘We are living in a computer simulation.’ Mine says, ‘We are and always have been in an artificially designed computer simulation of a world.’”
Although I’m early in the book, I think Chalmers is fully committed to his simulation hypothesis and believes it to be actually true.
He, like all philosophers, engages in philosophical tropes and memes, and employs philosophical argumentation to make points, something I’ve referred to as “bullsh*t.”
That aside, the idea of reality as a computer simulation, which I’ve touched on here and elsewhere, is loopy, interesting perhaps, but loopy. I understand why most UFOers dispense with the concept.
I plan on a “dissertation” here on simulated realities upcoming, as we actually live in an obvious simulation, one that can be defended I think because it makes scientific sense.
Professor Chalmers seems to have been seduced by the Matrix series of movies, which are gawd-awful as I see them. But I’ll keep reading his book for now and will note any pertinent elements.
RR
His book is about reality as a computer simulation, and contains a raft of sci-fi novels (and short stories) with simu- lation(s) as the gist.
On page 29 he writes: “What exactly is the simulation hypo- thesis? [Nick] Bostrom’s ver- sion says simply, ‘We are living in a computer simulation.’ Mine says, ‘We are and always have been in an artificially designed computer simulation of a world.’”
Although I’m early in the book, I think Chalmers is fully committed to his simulation hypothesis and believes it to be actually true.
He, like all philosophers, engages in philosophical tropes and memes, and employs philosophical argumentation to make points, something I’ve referred to as “bullsh*t.”
That aside, the idea of reality as a computer simulation, which I’ve touched on here and elsewhere, is loopy, interesting perhaps, but loopy. I understand why most UFOers dispense with the concept.
I plan on a “dissertation” here on simulated realities upcoming, as we actually live in an obvious simulation, one that can be defended I think because it makes scientific sense.
Professor Chalmers seems to have been seduced by the Matrix series of movies, which are gawd-awful as I see them. But I’ll keep reading his book for now and will note any pertinent elements.
RR
7 Comments:
Seems like an interesting book. Simulated realities, why not? On the other hand, maybe we're just simulations in a simulation (in a simulation and so on) and can never be sure if what we experience is the "final" reality.
I think it's time to take my medication...
By
Jerry Cornelius, at Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Take 2 doses, buddy...
RR
By
RRRGroup, at Wednesday, July 20, 2022
: )
By
Jerry Cornelius, at Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Our old friend Descartes comes into play here in these considerations.
If we are to deny our reality then, in clear fact, what have we?
Simulate that! -heh, heh...
BD
By
Bryan Daum, at Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Author Chalmers argues his material in the context of Descartes' reasoning.
RR
By
RRRGroup, at Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Hello, I believe a couple of scientists recently disproved the simulation theory by experiment. Unfortunately I cannot recall, other than online, where I read it. I do remember it was reasonably simple and clever. It shouldn't be hard to find. Personally, I agree with Mark Twain: "I think I'm an experiment, I feel like an experiment". The difference is subtle, but hopefully enough to make it unlikely whatever being or force " started " the program, They, He She, it or Simply God, won't get bored and end it. BTW to believe tens of thousands of proteins would arrange themselves in the one particular way to produce a "living" molecule, when something as simple as a wave, rain, drought, etc, would have started the experiment from the beginning. After taking " all time " to get started. Easier for me to believe in God.
By
esp.philbrook, at Sunday, July 24, 2022
I'm pretty much with you Phil...
RR
By
RRRGroup, at Sunday, July 24, 2022
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