Are We Living In A Simulation? There Is Only One Way To Check It
Source: (
https://bit.ly/3tnmEGU)
The philosopher and mathematician of Oxford University Nick
Bostrom is considered to be the father of the modern "reality
simulation" hypothesis.
In his 2003 study, Bostrom stated that our reality is a computer
simulation created by a highly developed civilization.
Columbia University astronomer David Kipping, studying this
concept, paid special attention to three aspects (better known
as the "Bostrom's trilemma"), each of which is capable of being
an independent scenario of reality:
- Usually, civilizations self-destruct before they have the
opportunity to create simulations of reality;
- Advanced civilizations are not interested in creating simulations
of reality;
- We are almost certainly living inside a computer simulation.
Bostrom explained that at least one of the three statements must
be true. This is quite logical.
Kipping combined the first two assumptions because they lead
to the same result - we do not live inside a simulation. Thus, the
probability that we live in a computer simulation was 50%.
"I'm not leaning towards any of the statements, but I'm trying to
systematize the data I'm working with," Kipping explained.
Even a child could guess about the probability of 50%, but why
is it so important in this case?
Let's look into the near future
If one day the day comes when humanity can create a simulation
of reality, even if it is rather crooked and sloppy, then the
probability that we ourselves are in a simulation will already be
more than 50%. This is explained by the "matryoshka principle"
considered by Bostrom and Kipping.
"The more different realities are built into the simulation, the more
powerful the computer must be, responsible for the performance
of such a "matryoshka". However, the further the "simulation
characters" go down the "rabbit hole", the less power they need
to create their own simulations.
Suppose, in order to create the most reliable reality, we will use
the principle of quantum superpositions ("the picture of reality"
will exist only at the moment when it has an observer), which will
significantly save computational resources.
If this approach proves effective, and the generated simulation looks
very reliable, then we, by observing the simulation from the outside,
can try to find "failures in our own matrix".
In addition, there is a possibility that the characters from the
simulation we created at some point in time will also think about
the unreality of what is happening and try to start creating their
own simulations.
At this point, the "rabbit hole" will become deeper, and our
conclusions about the unreality of what is happening will receive
convincing evidence.
Today it is impossible to prove or disprove such statements. If we
create our own simulation before civilizational collapse occurs, then
most likely we are living in a simulation that someone else also
created.
Considering the speed with which virtual reality technologies burst
into our lives, we are already within walking distance from the
generation of parallel realities.
As Elon Musk said: "The chance that we are not living in a computer
simulation is one in billions."
