FAQ
From Simulism
Contents |
[edit] Basic Simulism Questions
[edit] What is Simulism?
Please see the Simulism page for a detailed explanation.
[edit] What is the purpose of the site?
This site is a place to explore 'Simulism', the possibility that we might live in a simulation. While this may seem far-fetched, it is an interesting basis for 'what-if' scenario's. The arguments, counter-arguments and implications are fun to ponder, at least I think so. If you like films like The Matrix, or like to philosophize in general, you may enjoy this site. If you don't, well, you don't have to. :-)
Ever since reading The Simulation Argument by Nick Bostrom, I've been planning to create a wiki about the subject, and to bring the information in a less academic, more accessible, format. The result is in front of you.
[edit] Theological Questions
[edit] Is Simulism a religion?
One definition of religion, according to Wikipedia:
Religion is a system of social coherence commonly understood as a group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object, person, imaginary being, or system of thought considered to be supernatural, sacred, divine or highest truth.
As such Simulism is not a religion per se. It is a concept. This site does not imply that the concept is real or accurate. We just outline a possibility. So whether Simulism is a religion, is up to yourself. Would you consider Simulism a highest truth?
The idea of Simulism does pertain to questions of religion however. For example, it raises the possibility that all of the information we have about the world was constructed by some external entity living in an outer "universe". Such an entity would not necessarily have to be a deity. From our perspective they might be "all-powerful", but in the outer "universe" they might be puny indeed. Nor need they be morally good. Alternatively, the outer universe might not contain any sentient entities--our simulation might have arisen "by accident".
Read more about Simulism and religion on the Religion page.
[edit] Are you anti {insert favourite religion here}?
No, Simulism is not about religion. Nor does Simulism rule out any religion. This site means no harm or offense to anyone or anyone's religion.
[edit] Proof
[edit] Can you prove that we are living in a simulation?
Sorry, no. But I can't disprove it either. More importantly, there are good reasons to believe that it is a distinct possibility.
In the movie 'The Thirteenth Floor' proof can be found by driving to the 'edge of the simulation'. (Something similar occurs in the movie 'Dark City', as the main characters attempt in vain to reach Shell Beach, which is outside of the city.) In our world/simulation, there does not seem to be such an edge however, although at some point in time, people thought the earth was flat and there was an 'end'. (There's more on the 'flat earth' arguments in the essay 'The Expanding Simulation'.)
The 'Arguments' page contains more arguments and counterarguments.
[edit] I have proof!
Great. :-) Contribute it to this site (the Proof page), and have others evaluate your evidence. So far, Simulism is unprovable.
[edit] Why believe it if there is no proof?
Note that this site is not about 'belief', although it is sometimes referred to that way. This site is more dedicated to 'what would it mean if it were true', much like you could create a site discussing the implications when humans would be able to fly.
That being said, even if there's no proof, there are arguments, the most compelling one perhaps the statistical approach as discussed in 'The Simulation Argument'. There are however also numerous counterarguments.
