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Title: Elon Musk: “Odds are we’re living in a simulation”
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URL Source: http://www.glitch.news/2016-06-06-e ... re-living-in-a-simulation.html
Published: Jun 7, 2016
Author: Greg White
Post Date: 2016-06-07 10:20:46 by Ada
Keywords: None
Views: 239
Comments: 16
Do we live in a computer simulation? Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, thinks so; or at least, he thinks it’s more likely than not. Although the belief that we are all living in a computer simulation might seem bonkers, the reasoning behind the claim is difficult to refute, at least on the surface. The simulation argument, originally purported by the philosopher Nick Bostrom, can be summarized as follows: NT2 (1) Consciousness is the result of information processing at the level of the brain. (2) Future civilizations will create simulations of the past in the same way we create simulations of the Sims. (3) Simulated universes outnumber actual universes. (4) Therefore, we are far more likely living in a simulated universe than an actual universe. The simulation argument expounded Apparently, the reasoning behind the argument is so airtight that not even an intellectual giant like Musk can refute it. When asked during a Recode’s Code Conference about the validity of the simulation argument, Musk replied: The strongest argument for us being in a simulation probably is the following. Forty years ago we had pong. Like two rectangles and a dot. That was what games were. Now, forty years later, we have photorealistic, 3D simulations with millions of people playing simultaneously and it’s getting better every year. Soon we’ll have virtual reality, augmented reality. If you assume any rate of improvement at all, then the games will become indistinguishable from reality, even if that rate of advancement drops by a thousand from what it is now. Then you just say, okay, let’s imagine it’s 10,000 years in the future, which is nothing on the evolutionary scale. So given that we’re clearly on a trajectory to have games that are indistinguishable from reality, and those games could be played on any set-top box or on a PC or whatever, and there would probably be billions of such computers or set-top boxes, it would seem to follow that the odds that we’re in base reality is one in billions. Tell me what’s wrong with that argument. Is there a flaw in that argument? Musk added that he has contemplated the simulation argument so much that he and his brother agreed to ban discussion of the topic while in his hot tub. Holes in the argument There are a few reasons why the purported argument might not be as sound as Musk suggests. To start, the argument is based upon the contentious assumption that consciousness is a computational program that can be downloaded onto a computer hard drive. However, there are multiple theories of consciousness on the table, which suggest consciousness is more than just information processing. And if there is more to consciousness than information processing, then the analogy of the mind as a computer program that can be downloaded onto a computer hard drive breaks down. In addition, the argument assumes human beings will be able to reach a level of technological sophistication without first self-destructing. According to Musk’s own remarks, however, video game simulations that are indistinguishable from reality might not be feasible for another 10,000 years, which is more than enough time for humanity to bring about its own demise. Finally, the argument assumes there is only one, finite universe. Yet theories of inflation suggest the universe is infinite, and if the universe is infinite, then there are an infinite number of advanced civilizations. And if we take multiple universe theories seriously, then there may be an infinite number of infinite universes with an infinite number of civilizations. And if there are an infinite number of infinite universes with an infinite number of civilizations, then we are no more likely living in a simulated universe than an actual universe. The simulation argument is a highly contentious issue in philosophy. While the quarrel has yet to be settled, the noted objections illustrate the argument is not nearly as convincing as Musk suggests, meaning he and his brother can rest a little easier in their simulated hot tub.
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#1. To: Ada (#0)
I think "simulation" must be defined. I consider the whole universe we are in as a "playground" of sorts. Consciousness, however, goes beyond the biochemical reaction of a series of brain synapses firing.
The question is whether consciousness arose through material process and evolution, or is it fundamental and a creator of all we know.
Pass the pipe, Musk.
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
He's on 'shrooms.
"Have Brain, Will Travel
Fine, folks -- but how else would you explain the existence of a universe that's so crazy and evil? Yeah, crazy and evil! ----------------------------------------------------- I hear they grow under cow pies and have psychedelic effects when you soak them in a closed jar and then drink the effluent. But don't ask me, that is just what I heard about it. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
The universe is in fine shape, it's mankind that's crazy and evil.
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
Not crazy in the sense that there are no laws. If its evil, it might be because God really doesn't care about individuals.
You mean like "The Matrix"? That is what I think you mean. And, BTW, maybe you can tell us a little about "artificial intelligence". That's right, just like in the "Terminator" flicks. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
I consider consciousness to be as aspect of what is referred to as the soul. We humans are hybrid creatures, consisting of both the human body, which arose out of evolution, as well as a soul, which is interdimensional and not a product of this universe, or evolution. The common misperception among the religious is that we are primarily human, and the soul is somehow created as a result of human conception and/or birth. Then after death, the soul is what remains which goes on to some eternal destiny. But the idea that an immortal soul can come into existence through the biological event of conception or birth is on it's face, quite illogical, and atheists are right in questioning it. The idea of an immortal soul violates the physical laws of conservation of energy. As a physical creature will die and decompose if it stops receiving energy in the form of food, how could a soul exist and function perpetually without an influx of energy? Well if souls are created outside of this universe, then they are not subject to the laws of this universe, and therefore the laws of conservation of energy do not apply to souls. In this scenario, human conception has absolutely nothing to do with soul creation. We as souls have a home that is interdimensional, outside of this universe, and souls incarnate in this universe for the life of the human body, then return. In this model, the possibility of reincarnation makes perfect sense. To the point of the article, the entire universe we are in could qualify as a "simulation", or a created playground or gymnasium which serves the higher purpose of being a place where souls can experience life in all it's varieties and hardships, and thus grow. We have consciousness because we are souls. Once this universe expires however it will in another 100 billion years or whatever scientists are currently theorizing, another can be created to replace it.
But crazy in most ways. Deism is looking smarter by the day in 2016 amerika. ----------------------------------------------------- Oh, sure -- lovely. Until the next great extinction or polar shift.
----------------------------------------------------- Email me when that happens. “The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
Amen
You're in it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Holocene_extinction ----------------------------------------------------- Check out the link, particularly his conclusion regarding the mind of God. If he's right, you are closer to it than I.
#2. To: Pinguinite (#1)
Consciousness, however, goes beyond the biochemical reaction of a series of brain synapses firing.
#3. To: Ada (#0)
#4. To: Lod (#3)
#5. To: All (#4)
#6. To: Turtle (#4)
He's on 'shrooms.
#7. To: NeoconsNailed (#5)
#8. To: NeoconsNailed (#5)
Fine, folks -- but how else would you explain the existence of a universe that's so crazy and evil?
#9. To: Ada (#0)
Elon Musk: “Odds are we’re living in a simulation”
#10. To: Ada (#2)
The question is whether consciousness arose through material process and evolution, or is it fundamental and a creator of all we know.
#11. To: Ada (#8)
#12. To: Lod (#7)
#13. To: NeoconsNailed (#12)
Oh, sure -- lovely. Until the next great extinction or polar shift.
#14. To: Lod (#7)
"Define yourself as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion."—Brennan Manning
#15. To: Lod (#13)
#16. To: NeoconsNailed (#11)
But crazy in most ways.
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