The Experience Machine
Is our reality a sophisticated computer program? Welcome to the podcast where we grapple with the profound questions raised by the Simulation Hypothesis! We explore this idea – popularised by figures like Nick Bostrom and David Chalmers – from every angle: its roots in ancient philosophical scepticism and modern physics, its connections to AI and virtual reality, and its implications for consciousness, knowledge, and the very meaning of life. Could we be digital beings in a vast simuverse, our world governed by code and information? Are there ways to test this hypothesis? Subscribe to delve into the deepest mysteries of existence and reality!
The Experience Machine
Digital Doomsday Preppers: Our Universe as a Survival Simulation
Jeffrey White's research paper which proposes a twist on the simulation hypothesis, suggesting our universe could be a simulated reality created by a pre-post-human civilisation facing existential threats. Instead of being for entertainment, White posits this simulation is a testing ground for solving critical problems, drawing connections to advancements in cognitive science, AI, and neurorobotics. The episode discusses the philosophical implications of this idea, arguing it could give our existence greater purpose, and considers the ethical questions surrounding the creation of conscious simulated beings. Ultimately, it encourages reflection on the nature of reality and our role in shaping the future, whether simulated or not.
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