This week I'm going to take a bit of a step away from simulations role in education, and talk about simulation theory. Simulation theory is the idea that all of what we know as reality, is a constructed simulation. There are many people who have joined in on this argument both for and against the theory. In short, the argument supporting the theory states that the reality we live in has been constructed by a superior being, or beings, and control what happens around us. The argument against is grounded by the fact that we created simulations and control them.
I want to know your thoughts on this. Even if this theory isn't real, does it provoke a conversation about the limits of technology? When have we gone too far, will we ever come to the point of too far?
I want to know your thoughts on this. Even if this theory isn't real, does it provoke a conversation about the limits of technology? When have we gone too far, will we ever come to the point of too far?
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and interesting question. The theory of life as a simulation reminds me of movies like 'The Matrix' where reality or human perception of reality is generated by a super Artificial Intelligence or AI. The symbiotic relationship of machine and man in the Matrix suggests an interdependency out of necessity. This begs the question that if reality is a simulation what is the purpose of the simulation or the nature of the relationship. Would it be an experiment? If so, what are the superior beings trying to accomplish? There could also be a link to virtual reality, the science fiction of William Gibson, who coined or popularized the term the matrix, describes vibrant artificial environments or simulations that are dominated by AI. I think that any powerful simulation that is completely immersive will have some form of AI controlling it, the big question in Sci Fi is always the intentions of the AI. Science Fiction is one of my favorite genres in literature or movies so this topic is very interesting and I have seen a lot of articles that are concerned with the potential threat of AI to humanity, according to most experts we are still a long way from a true AI that is self aware but for some reason I keep thinking that AI will come 'alive' rather quickly and the process once started might be unstoppable. The interesting thing about all of this to me is that science fiction has a funny way of becoming science fact. For example, in the 1960's Star Trek used a communicator to transmit voice and data from the surface of a planet to the ship in orbit. Fast forward to today and the iPhone can perform the same function, actually the iPhone probably does all the functions that Star Trek used multiple instruments for, communicators, tricorders, etc. I think the two elements that will be necessary to achieve a truly immersive simulation are advanced VR technology and AI, at the current rate of technological advancement these elements are probably not that far away. Great post, thanks.
Craig
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting subject indeed. Are we even alive or are we just a computer program? Craig makes an interesting point with his example of the Matrix. What is a simulation really? I personally believe in a higher power, but I do not believe they interfere. I think that a higher power created everything and then evolution took over. I think of it as a science experiment and we are what is growing in the test tube, but what if it is a simulation? How would we know? This is a thought provoking post. Thanks for posting.
Chuck
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very interesting topic and really made me wonder. I really do think there is a high power that created everything along with evolution. If we were a simulation, would really even know?
Marianna