Is there any scientific evidence disproving the notion we are part of a vast simulation run by an advanced civilisation? (continued)
Rob Walter
Via email
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Some previous answers offering evidence for the notion we aren’t living in a vast simulation relied heavily on the word “vast”.
The complexity of our universe suggests we aren’t in a simulation run by an agent in a three-dimensional universe with laws of physics similar to our own. Or, viewed another way, it is evidence we will never simulate a universe of similar complexity to our own.
But what if the simulation containing our universe isn’t vast compared with the 19-dimensional, physically exotic reality it is being run in? What if it requires the technological equivalent of a smartphone to run in this far more information-dense world?
The question of whether we live in a simulation is practically equivalent to the question of whether God exists. People have been looking for evidence against God’s existence for a long time without success, because proving non-existence is famously difficult. Using the definition that religion is a system of beliefs involving special hats, I would say it is probably more fun to believe in God than a simulation, but simpler to believe in neither.
Paul O’Toole
Greasby, Merseyside, UK
Your correspondent argues against the idea that we are living in a simulation because of the unfeasibly immense computational power it would demand. However, suppose “reality” – especially its fine detail – was only properly rendered when it was being observed. The rest of the time, the simulated universe could exist as a vague cloud of probabilities – much less computer power required. But wouldn’t it look odd to those simulated scientists trying to make sense of it all.
People have been looking for evidence against God for a long time without success, because proving non-existence is difficult
David Bortin
Whittier, California, US
What do you mean “we”? Suppose that we (or you, at least) are merely “part of a vast simulation run by an advanced civilisation”. In that case, any evidence to which you might have access would be just an attribute of the simulation and, as such, could neither prove nor disprove anything about the greater civilisation.
Ergo, such disproving evidence cannot exist in your reality, and the supposition cannot be disproven. Hence, the answer to your question is an unequivocal “no!”.
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