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This perspective fits nicely with the simulation theory. If we accept it, for argument's sake, then what's happening is essentially delegating the computation
by V-2 4y ago
This perspective fits nicely with the simulation theory.
If we accept it, for argument's sake, then what's happening is essentially delegating the computation to the ultra-meta-computer that runs the simulation.
- arrow7000 4y agoIt also fits nicely with the universe just being mathematically consistent
- V-2 4y agoThis misses the "computation" (being shifted from one layer to another) aspect though. Universe being mathematically consistent and being simulated are completely orthogonal concepts.
- arrow7000 4y agoI understood your comment to be an argument in favour of the simulation hypothesis. So my comment says that that doesn't work. On second reading though it seems like all you're proposing is a mental model for 'analog' computation; that it's like outsourcing the computation to a lower level of hardware. Then yes I agree with that.
- IIAOPSW 4y agoThe universe working on a computational principle no more entails it being a simulation than the previous "mechanics" based physics entails it being a machine. Its an unfortunate fact of language and history that it is hard to express the idea of "digital physics" without misleading people into a quasi-scientific secular form of Gnosticism (aka: this is the simulation, the real reality and motivations of the people behind it are hidden from us).
- V-2 4y agoYeah, I'm not advocating the simulation hypothesis as such : ) I'm only saying it fits here nicely as a thought experiment (that's why I emphasized: "for argument's sake"). Its actual correctness is beyond the point. As for the validity of simulation hypothesis itself, I'd say it's essentially religion in disguise*. It's unfalsifiable by definition too, and personally I apply Occam's razor on the idea, but obviously I can't disprove it. The question can't be "is it true", but it's fine to ask "is it a useful (or at least thought-provoking) metaphor?" (in a given context). ___ * Most religions, in my view, can be broken down to the sum of: a) simulation hypothesis of sorts (universe run by Creator), b) code of ethics with mnemonic narratives, c) ceremonies, that covers most of it analytically speaking.
- Syzygies 4y agoWhether the universe is a simulation is unknowable, but the universe could consist of thought. If so, this research is dangerous; like the Trinity nuclear test, the conflagration could alter our neighborhood of the universe. I had a pretty convincing revelation last night that the simulation was run by insects. I could only get back to sleep by ridiculing myself for such a derivative thought. Or is there a reason it's universal?
- schmeckleberg 4y agoI think Diaspora by Greg Egan covers some of this territory ...that or the much older idea that if the whole universe is the dream of a dragon (or a butterfly or Chuang Chou) then let's not do anything that's too startling or implausible so we don't wake them up and end it all!
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- andrewflnr 4y agoThere is nothing that doesn't fit nicely with simulation theory. It's an epistemological tarpit.
- Cipater 4y ago> epistemological tarpit Google tells me that this phrase has been used twice on the internet, both times by you on HN. I Googled it because I thought it was an interesting expression and wondered whether it was in popular use.
- andrewflnr 4y agoHaha, so I've not succeeded in making it a thing. Very evocative though, isn't it? Ed: honestly though, it's kind of surprising no one else has independently come up with the same phrase. I know I'm not the only one thinking about things like this.