Do we live in a Simulated Reality?

Originally posted by BombasticChaos
I have been thinking about this a lot, and it seems to me like the only thing that would make it not possible, is the fact that we -can- think that we're in a simulated reality.

When we use simulations of reality the entities don't think "Is this a simulation? Am I being controlled?"

They just do what they are told.

My 2 cents.

Quite contrarily, it's these things that make me think it's more likely. Our sims do what they're told to do now, but at the rate our technology and AI development is going, the events you describe are almost inevitable. We will master the language of the neurons and senses and someday create a 'game' that will induce temporary amnesia and completely 'fool' the player into thinking the artificially produced scenarios and sensations are 'real'.

Again; if you think this will (ever) be possible, you MUST step back and objectively ask yourself: what makes me so sure this isn't happening right now?

This is a topic that's kept me up many times and left me in tears for knowing that we're nothing more than pawns to a greater power.
What is life?
Does it even exist for us?
Or is it only for those who have true knowledge.
I feel like we have limitations on our minds of what we're allowed to comprehend. Those outside know everything while we're only allowed to know enough to entertain the greater power.
Creation, life, death. What are these things really?

reply to post by Skyfloating


Actually, it's more like a movie, what is very interesting is that it's a digital movie and the time resolution is Plank Time and size resolution is Plank Length. With infinite identical simulation occurring at the same "time," that being a time that is outside the simulation or an absolute frame of reference, everyone gets the chance to be everyone else (in the simulation). Sort of like sideways in space-time.

Cheers - Dave

All of this gets back to what I have always said. "You cannot know anything with any degree of certainty." What our senses tell us is true and what is really true are two diametrically different things.

I mean, honestly, I don't know for a fact that I am in control of what I am typing. Is it really my thoughts, or the thoughts of something else, that is leading me to type these words? If I am to be intellectually honest, I have to say that I am not certain.

[edit on 18-1-2009 by SpeakerofTruth]

Originally posted by Teratoma

Originally posted by BombasticChaos
I have been thinking about this a lot, and it seems to me like the only thing that would make it not possible, is the fact that we -can- think that we're in a simulated reality.

When we use simulations of reality the entities don't think "Is this a simulation? Am I being controlled?"

They just do what they are told.

My 2 cents.

Quite contrarily, it's these things that make me think it's more likely. Our sims do what they're told to do now, but at the rate our technology and AI development is going, the events you describe are almost inevitable. We will master the language of the neurons and senses and someday create a 'game' that will induce temporary amnesia and completely 'fool' the player into thinking the artificially produced scenarios and sensations are 'real'.

Again; if you think this will (ever) be possible, you MUST step back and objectively ask yourself: what makes me so sure this isn't happening right now?

Indeed. I've heard Kurzweil and others talk on the possibilities of nanomachines resting between the neurons. They will theoretically have a default "passthrough" state, but when activated would activate a sort of sleep paralysis and block certain synaptic signals - then fire their own. Basically, they will block all your sensory perception and overlay a false perception.

Sounds scary, but think of it also as the ultimate Tivo experience. You can record memories of your life... such as your wedding, and then play them back anytime and it will be like reliving that experience all over again as if you're really there. You can upload that to the internet and share it with others, and download other people's experiences. Think of it... the ultimate porno! Video Games that put you directly inside the game as if you really were those characters.

Telepathy? Sure... we already have voiceless communication that reads nerve endings in your larynx. Not to mention cochlear implants that directly stimulate the nerves of the inner ear. Thought projection? Sure, we have technologies that can preform very base forms of this already. Body Swapping? Why not? Simply initiate a real-time transference of sensory information. Possession would work on a similar principal.

I believe that once the enabling technologies are in place, we will see it. I wouldn't want to put a time frame on this, but I definitely think it will happen during many of our lifetimes.

[edit on 18-1-2009 by Lasheic]

[edit on 18-1-2009 by Lasheic]

reply to post by Skyfloating


The only thing missing are the batteries. Reality is all in perspective and if you would look at our world from the distant fringe of our cosmos or from another universe (brane theory) you would not see yourself, our planet, or even our galaxy. I just hope that if i really am a desktop icon then i would like to be the blue one.

Originally posted by Lasheic
reply to post by Skyfloating

 

My name is Jim, I'm in Fort Wayne, I'm from Warsaw

Thats odd. Ive been to both places. I wonder how many people exist who have been to both those places.

Here's the thing.....and, apologies if this should sound too much like the 'Matrix'....

BUT the premise, from what the OP wrote, is very close to the same premise of that Screenplay, so I don't kow why I even responding to this thread.....guess I am so bored......I'll chomp at anything that looks vaguely interesting...........

Originally posted by Realtruth
Do the take away game.

Start by depriving yourself of all senses, this can be accomplished by a sensory deprivation chamber.

I love Floatation Tanks.

The question being: "When everything is taken away, whats left?"...whatever is left would seem to be more essential, more real.

If you are talking about a simulation on a grand scale, like in the Matrix, where our true lives have been stolen from us, then we would have something to investigate and be concerned about. It's theoretically possible, although I doubt it seriously.

If, on the other hand, you are asking if we were created for the sole purpose of living inside of some kind of simulation and that we couldn't even exist without, then my ultimate answer is, what does it matter? If I am a part of a simulation, it seems to be a pretty damn good one. I am a life form inside a simulation created by a very advanced god-like species. Oh well, that's life. In that case, I was created to live in this "simulation." Then, is "simulation" really the right word for it?

reply to post by weedwhacker


AND, I use the no character, not verb, to pay homage to 'Arrested Develpment'....a really,really good TV show that deserves more attention....

Flagged and Starred!

Your posts are always fascinating Skyfloating

reply to post by weedwhacker


Too bad, TV show get cancelled.....prematurely.....

Originally posted by Teratoma
If you believe that a completely undetectable virtual reality - by that I mean one that fools the subject into believing it's "real" - is physically possible; then there should be NOTHING to keep you from questioning the "reality" of this one.

Except the part of yourself that never was a part of this reality but a part of the originating reality...who somehow "senses" that there is "something else"? Hence "Intuition"?


[edit on 18-1-2009 by Skyfloating]

reply to post by Skyfloating



I think the proper spelling is 'flotation'.....

I know, the English Language is difficult......why, oh why is the the word 'FLOAT', but when it is built into a gerund, the spelling changes....or DOES IT????

Actually, 'floatation' and 'flotation' have been seen to be equally correct, depending on context!!! Argh!!!!! English be a vile languish.......!!! Argh!!!!

reply to post by soma_pills



"I also tend to think that we as humans look, from that high up perspective, like a cancer"

No.

Humans are the greatest thing to ever happen to this planet. They are beautiful creatures.

Cancer? Give it a rest....

Originally posted by Anonymous ATS
This is a topic that's kept me up many times and left me in tears for knowing that we're nothing more than pawns to a greater power.
What is life?
Does it even exist for us?
Or is it only for those who have true knowledge.
I feel like we have limitations on our minds of what we're allowed to comprehend. Those outside know everything while we're only allowed to know enough to entertain the greater power.
Creation, life, death. What are these things really?

If you really desire the answers to these Questions, become single minded and Ask with all your heart and Mind, making it a priority in your life !

But you must be willing to accept the Truth, when you are shown and put The True Mind First, before your apparent material experience.

The Truth is out there and is also in you...

You are a part of the Truth and you can Not exit this Experience.

You Conscious State has been from the beginning of the All and always will be...

Because you are Viewing the experience (Program) from the Centre, you know Nothing and that is Normal. However the Outer of your True Mind knows All.

"Man Know thy Self."

The Centre of the Mind is Nothing, but you need to come to understand what Nothing really is....

The Centre of a Circle, indeed exists as you know, but the Centre has No Size or Shape and therefore is "Nothing" but yet it exists as the Centre.

So it is with your "Droplet" of the True Mind you call the human mind, but is in fact Not the Human Mind but is a Droplet of the True Mind of The All, or Conscious State of The All...

Keep searching earnestly, and sincerely and You Shall find what what you desire to know...

reply to post by Harassment101



"It's sad how in most cases we can't talk about this, and the many other totally engrossing and tantalizing theories that we all share on ATS, with people other than members of this forum, and without being called insane or strange. Anyone else feel this"


When that happens to me I put on my ATS hat and go for a walk.

ATSers are everywhere it seems - even in real-life.

*Last time I met one of them was when I noticed a guy smoking in the mall (no-smoking btw), when I went up to him it turned out he was an ATSer... sticking to the man with his cigarettes - I'm not gonna give any names but he seems to be a popular member here.

Through this person I found out my neighborhood had several members. So don't be afraid to gear-up and go looking. You see someone in an ATS hat, you can probably talk to them about anything ,and that is probably why they are wearing the hat.... to attract like minded thinkers.

ATS Gear - it's better than secret handshakes.

Originally posted by Exuberant1
reply to post by soma_pills

 

"I also tend to think that we as humans look, from that high up perspective, like a cancer"

No.

Humans are the greatest thing to ever happen to this planet. They are beautiful creatures.

Cancer? Give it a rest....

That's a mighty fine opinion you have, and I sincerely admire your optomistic view.

I think we should discuss not what “reality” means, but what means “virtual”, or “simulated”. If reality in which we live is not SIMULATED by SOMEONE and not made VIRTUAL to compare to some REAL reality in that case we live real live, because there is no other more real world to which we may be compared. Actually this discussion is about existence of GOD and if he simulates our reality.