The Simulation Network

Theories over the years have speculated that humankind is simulated along with the rest of the cosmos - consider our curious propensity for learning how we came into being. To define the ‘simulation hypothesis’ would be to say that it is the idea that the physical world we live in is part of a computer simulation. We begin to question whether a randomly selected civilisation, like us, be considered a naturally occurring one.

One may ask

“What is reality?”

A seemingly simple question. A simple answer would be anything we can perceive using any of the five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. However, the former years have accumulated theories of a simulated world, each only slightly different from the next.

According to an Oxford philosopher, Nick Bostrom, when we get to the point when our technological development and intelligence thoroughly exceeds the limits of our own sentience, we would be able to create more simulated societies than physically existing ones. The statistical argument essentially reveals that there are likely to be more computer simulated beings as it may be more efficient to generate them. This loosely links to the idea of a multiverse, which some interpret as the hypothesis that every time a decision is made, it creates a new timeline. As a result, us conscious beings are more likely to be simulated along with the rest of the universe.

In reference to Occam’s razor, isn’t it more likely that we are not part of a simulation? Picture a slightly more whimsical development in the simulation theory: Is it possible that we may be living in a video game? Truthfully, the more we engage in the web of simulation theories, the more we seal ourselves into this human cocoon.

All these theories prove to be philosophically challenging, developing the paradox: if we are simulated, do our thoughts and actions matter.

The cosmic ferris wheel of the emerging ideas of the simulation argument are ironic in itself. It revolves around our limits. By creating worlds of our own, we are able to test the maximum boundaries of human potential. However, by doing so, we reaffirm that there is no way to know everything about the universe in which we live.

What about you? If given the choice, which pill would you take - red or blue?

Aashi Taori

10E