>>15458164
>Technological Progress
Given the pace of technological advancement, it's conceivable that a civilization could reach a post-human stage and possess the computational resources to run detailed simulations of their ancestors. If we accept the possibility of this level of technology, it is conceivable that such simulations could be widespread in the universe.

>Indistinguishability
With advances in virtual reality, we're getting closer to creating experiences that are indistinguishable from reality. If a post-human civilization can create simulations that are indistinguishable from reality, then we have no guaranteed way of knowing whether or not we're currently in one.

>Probabilistic Argument
If it's possible to create these simulations, then it stands to reason that there would be a great many of them. The philosopher Nick Bostrom has proposed that if such simulations are possible, we're almost certainly living in one, because the sheer number of simulations would vastly outnumber the single "base reality."

>Quantum Mechanics and Theories of Consciousness
Some interpretations of quantum mechanics, like the many-worlds interpretation, posit that all possible alternate histories and futures are real. This is analogous to the vast number of simulations that could be run by a post-human civilization. In addition, some theories of consciousness suggest that consciousness itself could be a form of computation. This may imply that it would be possible to simulate conscious beings.

>Lack of Evidence Against
While this isn't a strong argument on its own, it's worth noting that there is currently no definitive evidence against the Simulation Hypothesis. We don't yet have any sure way to test it, and no empirical findings have yet ruled it out.

Back | Go to board

Board:

/sci/

Thread:

What are actual scientific arguments for and against the simulation theory?