Making the Case for Simulation Hypothesis Variants
Non Mathematical Approaches
Author's preface: See link here for additional info that forms that background of this discussion
Logical argument for SH1 (both ourselves and the universe are 100% simulated) — From P. Kassan, Skeptic magazine, 21.4 2016
The universe contains a vast number of stars.
Some of these stars have planets.
Some of these planets must be like Earth.
Since intelligent life arose and eventually invented computers on Earth, intelligent life must have arisen and invented computers on some of these planets.
It is (or inevitably will be) possible to simulate intelligent life inhabiting a simulated reality on a computer.
Since it’s possible, it must have been done.
There must be a vast number of such simulations on a vast number of computers on a vast number of planets.
Since there’s only one real universe but there’s a vast number of simulations, the probability that you’re living in a simulation approaches one, while the probability that you’re living in the real universe approaches zero.
Modification of the SH1. Logical argument for SH2 variant (Universe 100% real, ourselves 100% simulated)
The universe contains a vast number of stars.
Some of these stars have planets.
Some of these planets must be like Earth.
Since intelligent life arose and eventually invented computers on Earth, intelligent life must have arisen and invented computers on some of these planets.
It is (or inevitably will be) possible to simulate intelligent minds, these simulated minds may be used to inhabit artificial bodies/computers that run the simulation, which their simulated minds are programmed to accept as real bodies.
The created hybrid beings (simulated mind/artificial body thought to be real) will then be released to inhabit the real universe.
Since it’s possible, it must have been done.
There must be a vast number of such simulated beings on a vast number of actual planets.
Since there’s only one real universe but there’s a vast number of simulated beings, the probability that you’re a simulated being approaches one, while the probability that you’re a real being living in the real universe approaches zero.
Modification of the SH1 logical argument for SH3 variant (Universe 100% simulated, ourselves 100% real)
The universe contains a vast number of stars.
Some of these stars have planets.
Some of these planets must be like Earth.
Since intelligent life arose and eventually invented computers on Earth, intelligent life must have arisen and invented computers on some of these planets.
It is (or inevitably will be) possible to simulate entire universes, but it may not ever be possible to simulate consciousness or other minds.
The beings that are able to simulate entire universes but not populate them with simulated (conscious) intelligent beings will inevitably want to do so
In order to accomplish this the beings will capture or abduct real conscious beings at birth and/or create them from genetic material obtained from actual beings and use them to inhabit the simulated universe(s) via some interface
Since it’s possible, it must have been done.
There must be a vast number of such actual beings inhabiting a vast number of simulated universes
Since there’s only one real universe with only actual beings (simulated beings are not possible) but there’s a vast number of simulated universes, you must be a real being and the probability that you’re inhabiting a simulated universe approaches one, while the probability that your living in the real universe approaches zero.
pSH2 and pSH3 variants need only stipulate that total simulations of ourselves or the universe prove impossible and therefore the simulators do the next best thing and create partial simulations. The amount/level of simulation is a highly technical question which I have written about before.
About the Creator
Everyday Junglist
Practicing mage of the natural sciences (Ph.D. micro/mol bio), Thought middle manager, Everyday Junglist, Boulderer, Cat lover, No tie shoelace user, Humorist, Argan oil aficionado. Occasional LinkedIn & Facebook user
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