X-Message-Number: 3756 From: "Micheal B. O'Neal" <> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 1995 13:28:43 -0600 Subject: simulated universes Well, since CryoNet seems to be in a silly mood recently, here is my own contribution to the assortment of mind candy. Mike Darwin brings up the point that reality could be a simulation of sorts. I believe it can be argued that not only is it conceivable that our reality is a simulation, but in fact likely that this is the case. - - - - - - - - - - - (1) Computers are currently capable of running 'complex' simulations. (2) Computational power is increasing exponentially. If you let history be your guide and just follow the trends, it appears that computers will become more powerful than a human brain before the middle of the next century. By the end of the next century computers will have many times the capacity of a human. (3) Given 1 and 2 it seems likely that soon we will be able to simulate the relevant parts of a universe. In other words, fully simulate one individual (you) and all of the inputs (less complete simulations of other people, simulations of physical objects in your immediate surroundings, etc.) necessary for you to believe that you are in the 'real' world. (4) If this can be done (i.e. is possible) then why should we assume that it has not already been done? And done many times. (*) After all, if universes are just programs being executed on advanced PCs, it is likely that there are many such universes. (5) In fact, if there is only one 'real' universe but many have been/are being simulated then it is not only possible, but likely that what you are experiencing at this moment is a simulated universe. (6) :-) - - - - - - - - - - - - (*) One might ask why someone would want to create 'virtual' universes. I can see a reason for running many universe simulations. I am fascinated by people and what makes them work. If I were immortal, I think it would be interesting to live many different 'lives' in many different situations. The process would involve a temporary wiping of my memory followed by complete emersion in a simulated world (from birth to death) followed by a reintegration of that 'life' experience into my total personality. I believe such exercises would be valuable in attempting to truly understand the human condition. Mike (O'Neal) Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=3756