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My recent thinking about simulations is that we might soon inadvertently create life/consciousness while simulating something else. Which leads to interesting e
by askvictor 9y ago
My recent thinking about simulations is that we might soon inadvertently create life/consciousness while simulating something else. Which leads to interesting ethical considerations - before switching off a simulation, should we check for life? And how do we do that, given that it's going to be completely alien?
- idlewords 9y agoWe can't even simulate a nematode worm right now. So the ethics are pretty easy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenWorm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenWorm If you want to worry about overlooking artificial life, a more interesting scenario is some kind of evolutionary pressure among malware, leading to a computational equivalent of roaches or even crafty raccoons, stealing a living from our internet-of-things trash cans.
- askvictor 9y agoThe problem is in how we define life and consciousness, particularly when they are completely, unimaginably alien to us. Conway's Game of Life?