A good number of people, including philosophers, renowned scientists, and billionaires, believe that we are living in a simulation. Even though it may seem absurd, many valid reasons prove we may be living in the simulation of an advanced future civilization or a higher being. While Sci-fi films and the internet have contributed significantly to popularizing this theory, is there a chance, be it remotely, that we could be living in a simulation?
The Origin of the Idea That We Could Be Living in Simulation
Well, there could be a 50-50 chance. This theory was started by a Swedish philosopher, Nick Bostrom in a paper titled “Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?”, published in 2003. According to Nick, there were three possibilities for the Simulation Theory.
One, the human race would go extinct before creating the technology needed to simulate realities. Two, should the current civilization reach this level, simulations won’t be necessary. Finally, there are advanced civilizations that can create simulations, and there are many simulated worlds. Out of the three, the last one seems most probable.
Nick argued that future generations may have developed mega-computers with the ability to run simulations of their ancestors. According to Nick, we may not be the most intelligent species of humans, but we are part of a simulation program.
He wasn’t the only one who had such an idea. For instance, David Chalmers, a philosopher from New York University, proposed that a higher being programmed this simulation. Chalmers didn’t base his conclusion on an omniscient god but claimed a teenager could run five universes from his computer.
Reasons Why We Might Be Living in Simulation
There is evidence that supports the simulation hypothesis, such as the theory of quantum mechanics. It states that subatomic particles behave unpredictably, which could indicate minor glitches in the simulation.
Throughout time, human beings have talked about glitches in reality, like déjà vu. Also, astrophysical measurements such as the mass of protons and the speed of light are so perfect that they support life on Earth.
It’s hard to ignore that these measurements may have been fine-tuned to create the perfect simulation. Don’t forget that there are computational limits on dividing time and space. Believers of the simulation theory attribute this to living in a pixelated matrix with a finite resolution.
More evidence of the simulation theory can be borrowed from Bostrom’s theory of advanced civilizations making machines that can run simulations within simulations. This circles back to the theory of the multiverse and virtual universes.
Mathematicians agree that machines can simulate other machines. So, if there are alternate universes, there is a good chance that we may live in a simulation. Also, technology is advancing at an alarming rate, and we have yet to reach our limits. We are living in the era of virtual reality and 3D. As such, there is a possibility that later on in the future, humans will have the tools and technology to create worlds in computers.
Is Everything in Simulation?
Assuming that we were living in a simulation, everything, including people, houses, and nature, would be a byproduct of code. Therefore, the universe would be running on a supercomputer. On the contrary, the other possibility is that humans are real, but everything around them is simulated.
The perfect example is The Matrix film franchise, which portrays humans in pods connected to an artificial intelligence that simulates reality. In this film, people do not know that they are living in a simulation, and they wake up every day, go to work, fall in love, and lead normal lives.
Why the Idea of Living in Simulation Might Be Wrong
On the other hand, there are some arguments against the simulation theory. For instance, to run a simulation program of the world, those in charge would need an abnormal amount of power and energy. Also, as much as we are making strides in technology, it may take thousands of years for humankind to simulate consciousness and reality.
Even if the technology existed, what would motivate the human race to create a simulation of other beings? What would be the purpose or benefits? Unless it’s done for entertainment purposes, there is no valid reason.
Should one day the simulation theory be proven true, that would change everything about this world. This is why most people do not believe in it. First, aspects such as free will that humans take pride in will be shattered into oblivion.
People would begin questioning whether they are real or even have souls in the first place. Would we be any different from video game characters like Micheal, Trevor, and Franklin from GTA 5? Religions would fall because the concept of a god would no longer be valid. Emotions such as joy, anger, and sadness would also be useless.
There is no doubt that the simulation theory would render life meaningless at first. However, with time, people would get used to their new reality. Or that would mark the end of the simulation, resulting in the end of the world.
Conclusion
For a fact, we can’t conclude whether we live in a simulation or not. Be as it may, it is a fascinating philosophical concept that should be examined and explored in-depth. If we are part of a simulation, we will figure it out with time.