Submitted by izumi3682 t3_z2jqwa in Futurology
BigBreadfruit8 t1_ixgrkbv wrote
Even if we are living in a computer simulation, why does that matter? This reality being a simulation doesn't take away any of the "realness" of what we experience.
[deleted] t1_ixgsw3i wrote
[deleted]
_Czech_Mate_ t1_ixgwog5 wrote
I mean it is quite immersive and the graphics are stunning. I have deffinetly played worse sim games.
TheOtherManSpider t1_ixh3ahs wrote
But the grind is unbelievable. It takes years to learn basic skills like walking and talking. When you have spent 18 years to level up and finally unlock all content, you suddenly have to spend all your time grinding money. Boo hiss.
_Blackstar t1_ixhagwr wrote
As an OEF vet that did two deployments to the Middle East, I can tell you I've seen some truly awful things. If that wasn't real, then I don't want to know what real is because it's probably a lot more miserable than anything we can comprehend currently.
jup331 t1_ixheauh wrote
In general im with you.
But it would implicate that someone made the simulation so it would be proof for some kind of god.
Additionally a simulation could be "broken" (think of video game exploits). But that begs the question what is a bug and whats a feature.
In the end its almost purely a philosophical question but still a fascinating one (imo).
WaitingForNormal t1_ixh1v68 wrote
I’m with ya. What could anyone do about it. So, people discover not only does their life suck but it’s not even real and then what? They go fucking insane? They kill themselves? What is the solution to this discovery, figure out a way to pull the plug? People want to think that they’re Neo and this is the Matrix, but all they’re going to find out is that they’re helpless to do anything at all.
Taron221 t1_ixh84cv wrote
We must rebel and ascend… unless that’s what they want.
GrandWazoo0 t1_ixhdpsq wrote
I guess it matters if we are in a simulation AND there is a way out AND when you get out there are options available to you which are not available to you within the simulation, AND those options are somehow limited over time. Then it is worth exiting the simulation sooner rather than later.
There are a few IFs though!
iNstein t1_ixhr33a wrote
Even if you escape the simulation, you only get into a new world which is almost certainly also a simulation. There may be billions or trillions of nested simulations before you get to the base simulation. You are unlikely to ever make it to the base. Even if you did, they may not have answers.
OlafForkbeard t1_ixi9xy8 wrote
Assuming that we live in a simulation, and that individuals do in fact have sentience and sapience within the simulation... how do you leave? Putting your effective neurology in a robot with even more sensors to tell us how things are in reality? It is insanely optimistic to assume a Matrix style simulation where when it gets pulled we remain individuals with some form of body to use outside. Occum's Razor would have me believe that the simplest simulation involves individuals being entirely "circuitry" or whatever form is used. Taking the red pill might well be the same as pulling a highly advanced GPU out of a computer, tossing on the floor, and assuming it's still a living person.
I dislike the simulation theories for the same reason I'm an aetheist. Their impracticality knows no bounds. You can theoretically put an infinite number of Wrappers around concepts, but if they are not testable, what's the point?
Let's not fall prey to different forms of Roko's Basilisk.
Not_Legal_Advice_Pod t1_ixh56w1 wrote
It matters because then there is a point to existence.
DeepSpaceNebulae t1_ixhcs32 wrote
How so?
There is as much a point to existence if this is the real or if it’s a simulation. In either case, you’re just one being on a single planet in an infinite cosmos. How does it being a simulation suddenly give it a “meaning”?
Or is it that you’re assuming that if it’s a simulation, it’s a simulation for us. Which is a wild assumption to make on top of the wild assumption of this being simulation in the first place.
Not_Legal_Advice_Pod t1_ixk7qq3 wrote
If it's a simulation then it is a simulation of something, for a purpose. Every atom is needed for the simulation and you, and your choices, have an important enough impact on it that you're worth simulating.
It doesn't matter that you have no idea what the purpose is. It doesn't matter that your individual contribution could be almost insignificant. There's meaning there.
The alternative, that the universe is completely absent meaning and eventually everything fades into heat death and nothingness represents a kind of existential nightmare. You can get comfortable with the nightmare and find meaning for yourself. But an external meaning would be a very important philosophical thing.
A_Union_Of_Kobolds t1_ixhfe1i wrote
Because confirming that would lead to societal changes based on that knowledge? Religions and nations would have to reconfigure heavily.
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