Let's talk about Simulation Theory

Advanced civilizations and simulated conscious minds

Paraphrase: The idea is that a very technologically advanced civilization could one day build computers powerful enough to run detailed simu

Are You Living in a Computer Simulation? — Nick Bostrom (2003)

Paraphrase of the selection: Bostrom argues that at least one of three propositions must be true: 1 almost all humanlike civilizations go ex

Can we design tests that would falsify simulation claims?

Paraphrase: Simulation theory says our reality might be an artificial simulation. The question is whether we can create empirical tests that

Empirical unverifiability of Simulation Theory

Paraphrase: Simulation theory claims our reality might be a computer simulation, but it's hard to test this idea with observations or experi

Further reading on Simulation Theory

Paraphrase of the selection 1–2 sentences. This section lists additional resources for learning more about Simulation Theory—works that expl

How Simulation Theory Says Our World Works

Paraphrase of the selection 1–2 sentences. Simulation Theory says our reality is the output of a computational process run by an advanced sy

Key terms in Simulation Theory

Paraphrase of the selection 1–2 sentences. Simulation Theory is the idea that our reality might be an artificial simulation run by some adva

Simulation Theory: Characters Mistake the Game for Reality

Paraphrase: Imagine a very advanced video game that generates every sensation and perception for its characters so convincingly that they ta

Next questions to explore about Simulation Theory

Paraphrase of the selection 1–2 sentences. What further questions should we ask to deepen understanding of Simulation Theory — the idea that

Ontology in Simulation Theory: Do simulated entities really exist?

Paraphrase: Ontology asks what kinds of things exist. In simulation theory, the question is whether beings or objects inside a computer simu

Simulation theory: philosophical issues about consciousness, moral status, and r...

Paraphrase of the selection Simulation theory suggests we might live in an artificial simulation; this raises philosophical puzzles about wh

Pitfalls and Nuances of Simulation Theory

Paraphrase: Simulation theory is the idea that we might be living inside a computerlike simulation. Important pitfalls include empirical unt

Probability arguments for simulation depend on controversial assumptions

Paraphrase of the selection: Nick Bostrom and others use probabilitystyle arguments to claim it's likely we live in a simulation, but those

Recursive simulation — simulations that create further simulations

Paraphrase: Recursive simulation is when a simulated world contains agents or processes that themselves build simulations, which in turn may

What is Simulation Theory?

Paraphrase: Simulation Theory says our reality might be an artificial simulation — something like a computer program — run by more advanced

Simple example of Simulation Theory

Paraphrase of the selection: Simulation theory says our reality might be a computerlike simulation. A simple example imagines a scientist ru

Simulated minds can’t tell the difference from “real” minds

Paraphrase: If a mind is simulated run inside a computer or other machine, the experiences that mind has could be subjectively the same as t

Simulation — an artificial model or imitation of a system

Paraphrase: A simulation is a purposely built model that imitates how a real system behaves so we can study, predict, or experiment with it

Substrate — the physical system running the simulation

Paraphrase: In simulation theory, the substrate is the concrete physical system hardware and its physical environment that actually instanti

Reasons people run simulations: research, entertainment, and historical reconstr...

Paraphrase: People build simulations to study systems research, create immersive experiences entertainment, or recreate past events and sett

Nested simulations: we might be one of many simulations

Paraphrase: Some versions of Simulation Theory suggest not just a single simulated world, but a hierarchy of simulations inside simulations

Moral obligations of creators toward simulated beings

This path eventually reaches Simulators need no special moral obligations.

Baudrillard: “Simulation and Simulacra” — a quick guide

Paraphrase of the selection 1–2 sentences. Jean Baudrillard argues that in modern societies, representations images, signs, models no longer