Okay,,let's go back to OP's original question:
"could we be living in a simulation setup by a super computer in the future?"
There is only ONE correct answer to this question. Either we are or we're not. Theres no grey area here.
Im not saying that sometime in the distant future it won't be possible for a computer to synthesise a "simulation Universe" containing self-conscious entities within the simulation. At the present humans are far from that achievement, but in the future, who knows? I suppose it might be possible.
I think you are misunderstanding the hypothesis on a fundamental level.
If it is possible, or ever will be possible, which we can acknowledge that it likely is, then we can also make the assumption that it has already been done. Even within our own universe it is more than likely that at some point sentient species have developed technology to a point where they are able to do it, and if it ever has occurred in all of space and time and any possible reality that has ever existed and ever will exist, then this universe could be that simulation.
If the possibility is there, which from all we know about the universe it is, then we are quite possibly the result of that possibility, and the universe in which said simulation is running, assuming they are simulating a universe with similar rules and concepts as our own, could also be a simulation itself, and so on to infinity.
There is one correct answer, but that answer cannot be determined in any way as far as I can tell. If we ever do create a simulated universe in any capacity and show that it is possible, then statistically I believe we can also confirm that our own universe is also a simulation in some capacity. To believe that we are the only "Real" reality would seem a little naive given that context.
Im only stating that
this universe/reality in which
we (all humans/animals/plants which are living) occupy is not a simulation.
This is the correct answer to OP's question. (imo) I admit, its only a theory, but a very sound one, as it cannot be disproved.
I would love to hear any plausible argument.
How do you come to this conclusion?
An advanced civilization that could create a faithful simulation of our universe might not even choose to do it with a digital computer if a more efficient machine could be built. In fact, anything more than a trivial simulation using present day silicon technology would require a computer bigger than the universe, which would be dysfunctional due to speed of light and thermal limitations.
Assuming that the universe in which said simulation is run is subject to the same physical laws, limitations etc. that our own is.
But if we could simulate the universe, the first thing I'd do is change the value of something as fundamental as the speed of light, hit go, see a big bang and then observe.
The simplest possible machine capable of simulating our universe is our universe.
Considering the progress with quantum computing, this does seem quite possible.
You are right, this isn't a scientific theory, it's a philosophical hypothesis, however it is a hypothesis that has it's roots in statistics and technology, and so naturally the scientific minded are drawn to it.
No theory can be proved, nor disproved, proof does not exist outside of the field of mathematics. Evidence can be gathered to support a theory so much that is becomes accepted as truth, but it's still not "proof".
I believe that there is no physical evidence to suggest we exist within a simulated reality as of yet, the assumption that we are is based purely on statistics and the idea that it "might" be possible, although the fact that we can simulate reality in very small chunks indicates that it likely will be possible given the resources and technological advancements. The day we do successfully simulate what appears to be consciousness is the day I begin to believe we live in a simulated reality, and even more so when the conscious beings within the simulated reality simulate their own universe. Of course, we might be the first ones to run a simulation of that capacity, but statistically speaking it's highly unlikely.
Until such time, I'd rather just remain open minded to the fact that it is a definite possibility.
A computer is just a machine which processes data... ones and zeros. Thats all. A "supercomputer" may be able process a gazillion times more data a gazillion times faster, but in the end, its all just ones and zeros. Data. The world we live in/on isnt data. Its not a simulation...Its the real deal.
In keeping with The Matrix references in this thread so far:
Morpheus said:
What is real? How do you define real? If you're talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.
) the realities of other entities within said simulation.
