The Theory
Simulation Theory is a modern philosophical concept suggesting that our reality might actually be a simulated environment, similar to a virtual reality. This idea has gained attention and popularity in philosophy, popular culture, and even speculative scientific contexts.
In this theory, the universe, including Earth and all beings on it, could be an artificial creation, like a computer simulation. This simulation would be indistinguishable from “real” reality to those living within it.
The theory notes how video games and virtual realities have evolved to become increasingly realistic, and points to the rapid advancements in computer technology and artificial intelligence. Hence, if technology continues to advance at its current rate, future human civilizations, or possible other more advanced civilizations, might be able to create simulations so sophisticated that the simulation’s inhabitants would be unaware they’re living in a simulated universe.
Related References
There are ancient philosophical roots to Simulation Theory’s idea that reality might not be as it appears to us. For example, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave proposes that what we perceive as reality might just be shadows of the true form of reality.
A significant boost to this theory came from philosopher Nick Bostrom’s paper, “Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?“.
It’s also the idea behind movies such as “The Matrix”, “eXistenZ”, and “The Truman Show”, and the concept of the Holodeck (especially the episodes “Ship in a Bottle” and “The Killing Game” – in the latter, devices are implanted into the crew’s brains to make them forget who they are and believe they are characters within the holodeck’s environment and storyline).
Scientific Speculative Perspective
Theoretical Physics and Cosmology: Some scientists and theorists have attempted to find testable hypotheses within the framework of Simulation Theory. For example, they explore whether the physical universe has features that would be consistent with a computer simulation. These might include certain constraints or limits in the laws of physics that resemble the limits found in computer programs. While these ideas are highly speculative, they are discussed within the realm of theoretical physics. [TBD: Add references]
Information Theory and Quantum Mechanics: Concepts from information theory and quantum mechanics have also been used to argue both for and against the idea of a simulated universe. For instance, the idea that information is a fundamental building block of the universe, as suggested in some interpretations of quantum mechanics, can be seen as paralleling the idea of a universe made up of bits in a cosmic computer simulation. [TBD: Add references]
Currently, Simulation Theory is not considered a scientific theory in the strictest sense, as it lacks empirical evidence and clear falsifiability. However, its engagement with areas of scientific inquiry, and the fact that some scientists are looking for ways it might be tested, give it a foothold in the scientific domain, albeit a speculative and controversial one.
The Holographic Universe
A related work is Michael Talbot’s book “The Holographic Universe”. It contains a theory that combines elements of quantum physics, neurophysiology, psychology, and metaphysics to propose that our reality is akin to a gigantic and detailed hologram.
The concept was influenced by the work of physicist David Bohm who proposed that the apparent solidity of the physical world was an illusion and that at a deeper level of reality, everything is interconnected as in a holographic image. It was also influence by the work of neurophysiologist Karl Pribram who suggested that the human brain itself functions as a hologram, encoding and decoding frequencies from a more fundamental level of reality.
Talbot’s interpretation goes further, suggesting that our entire universe is holographic, and that our brains mathematically construct objective reality by interpreting frequencies from a dimension transcending time and space. The universe is a projected hologram, similar to characters on a television screen that appear to be three-dimensional but are actually flat images.
This theory suggests an interconnected universe where individual parts reflect the whole, and may help to explain some esoteric concepts like psychic phenomena and mystical experiences.