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We are probably not Sims

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We_are_probably_not_Sims_Preprint.pdf (389.8Kb)
manuscript_R1_to_read.pdf (403.1Kb)
Date
04/2020
Author
Mitchell, John B. O.
Keywords
Simulation hypothesis
Limits of computation
Information
Occam's razor
Substrate independence
Soul
Spirit
Consciousness
QA76 Computer software
QD Chemistry
T-NDAS
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Abstract
In this article, I discuss the current state of the debate around the simulation hypothesis, the idea that the world we inhabit is a computer simulation in or within another universe. Considering recent work from a range of authors, I suggest that statistical arguments in favour of a simulated world are naive and fail to account either for Ockham’s Razor or for alternative existential possibilities besides base reality and a simulation. Most significantly, I observe that it would be computationally impossible in our own universe to simulate a similar cosmos at fine granularity. This implies substantial differences in size and information content between simulating and simulated universes. I argue that this makes serious analysis of the simulation argument extremely difficult. I suggest that Christian theology has no reason to reinvent itself to accommodate simulism; the two should be viewed as mutually exclusive world-views. Further, I note that the existence of a human soul or spirit, or indeed any non-reductionist explanation of human consciousness, could undermine the assumption of substrate independence that simulism requires.
Citation
Mitchell , J B O 2020 , ' We are probably not Sims ' , Science and Christian Belief , vol. 32 , no. 1 , pp. 45-62 . < https://www.scienceandchristianbelief.org/view_abstract.php?ID=1470 >
Publication
Science and Christian Belief
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0954-4194
Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © 2020 The Author. This work has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies or with permission. Permission for further reuse of this content should be sought from the publisher or the rights holder. This is the author created accepted manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at https://www.scienceandchristianbelief.org/view_abstract.php?ID=1470
 
Copyright © 2020 The Author. This work has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies or with permission. Permission for further reuse of this content should be sought from the publisher or the rights holder. This is the author created accepted manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at https://www.scienceandchristianbelief.org/view_abstract.php?ID=1470
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  • University of St Andrews Research
URL
https://www.scienceandchristianbelief.org/view_abstract.php?ID=1470
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/19794

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