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If we are living in a simulation, it is one so well made that it is functionally identical to reality. This means it's impossible for humans to prove that it is or it is not a simulation; therefore, the question is irrelevant.
Are we living in a "base reality" or could all this be a simulation?
If we are living in a simulation, it is one so well made that it is functionally identical to reality. This means it's impossible for humans to prove that it is or it is not a simulation; therefore, the question is irrelevant.
Essentially this. Except even if we could prove it's definitely a simulation, the answer is still 'who cares'. It's still the same thing. Not like a 'real' life has any particular value above a simulation anyways. It's not like we're doing anything here. So we should all just enjoy ourselves, and don't use the possibility that nothing matters as an excuse to be a dick.
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If we are living in a simulation, it is one so well made that it is functionally identical to reality. This means it's impossible for humans to prove that it is or it is not a simulation; therefore, the question is irrelevant.
If we are living in a simulation, it is one so well made that it is functionally identical to reality. This means it's impossible for humans to prove that it is or it is not a simulation; therefore, the question is irrelevant.
And how do we even remember "real reality," then?
The thought of living in a world where Bat Boy, Bigfoot and the brain worm that was living in RFK Jr's head (rent-free) aren't real?
It's unbearable; my little coppertop can't cope.
We can't and mustn't.
Believing that there is even a 'real reality' waiting for us out there would also be a big assumption.
If we are a simulation, this would very likely be our only reality. There is nothing else. We don't have any part in whatever 'real reality' there might be. Once the simulation ends, we go back to complete non-existence, which is essentially what is already happening anyways.
And, so, once again, who cares?
Still doesn't mean we can't enjoy and find satisfaction in whatever this is. As long as we don't fuss over 'the meaning' of everything. Things don't have to mean something, or be a part of something bigger, to matter. All of human existence seems to have consistently gotten this part wrong, and it is generally what leads us to so many of the problems we have on this stupid, possibly simulated planet.
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Believing that there is even a 'real reality' waiting for us out there would also be a big assumption.
Still doesn't mean we can't enjoy and find satisfaction in whatever this is. As long as we don't fuss over 'the meaning' of everything. Things don't have to mean something, or be a part of something bigger, to matter. All of human existence seems to have consistently gotten this part wrong, and it is generally what leads us to so many of the problems we have on this stupid, possibly simulated planet.
Still doesn't mean we can't enjoy and find satisfaction in whatever this is. As long as we don't fuss over 'the meaning' of everything. Things don't have to mean something, or be a part of something bigger, to matter. All of human existence seems to have consistently gotten this part wrong, and it is generally what leads us to so many of the problems we have on this stupid, possibly simulated planet.
The idea of a simulated reality is pimping at the corner of Silly & Sinister.
I speak not of our OP, but of those who propose such notions from their place of power/authority.
The idea of a simulated reality is pimping at the corner of Silly & Sinister.
I speak not of our OP, but of those who propose such notions from their place of power/authority.
I speak not of our OP, but of those who propose such notions from their place of power/authority.
Secondly, a lot of scientific discoveries have started out by simply thinking of a particular concept or idea, and then figuring out exactly what kind of technology would be required to make such a concept a reality.
For hundreds, if not thousands of years, humans dreamed about being able to fly... eventually, we developed the technology that now allows millions of people to fly all over the world, easily and somewhat economically.
Humans also once dreamed of venturing to the moon and other planets... which we are also now in the process of doing.
Who's to say what could be technologically possible in another 100 years? or 500 years? or 1,000 years? As long as humanity doesn't self-destruct (itself another frightening but very realistic possibility), there's probably hardly any limits to what we could accomplish as a species.
I don't think that's true at all. First of all, the idea of a simulated reality is absolutely great for dramatic purposes, and artists have already shown that it can be a fun concept to explore in artistic ways.
Secondly, a lot of scientific discoveries have started out by simply thinking of a particular concept or idea, and then figuring out exactly what kind of technology would be required to make such a concept a reality.
For hundreds, if not thousands of years, humans dreamed about being able to fly... eventually, we developed the technology that now allows millions of people to fly all over the world, easily and somewhat economically.
Humans also once dreamed of venturing to the moon and other planets... which we are also now in the process of doing.
Who's to say what could be technologically possible in another 100 years? or 500 years? or 1,000 years? As long as humanity doesn't self-destruct (itself another frightening but very realistic possibility), there's probably hardly any limits to what we could accomplish as a species.
Secondly, a lot of scientific discoveries have started out by simply thinking of a particular concept or idea, and then figuring out exactly what kind of technology would be required to make such a concept a reality.
For hundreds, if not thousands of years, humans dreamed about being able to fly... eventually, we developed the technology that now allows millions of people to fly all over the world, easily and somewhat economically.
Humans also once dreamed of venturing to the moon and other planets... which we are also now in the process of doing.
Who's to say what could be technologically possible in another 100 years? or 500 years? or 1,000 years? As long as humanity doesn't self-destruct (itself another frightening but very realistic possibility), there's probably hardly any limits to what we could accomplish as a species.
You're asking if any of us believe we're coppertops, for which there is 0 evidence.
It's an age-old fundamentally theological question couched as scientific inquiry, and now the goalposts are being moved from that.
"In hubris we did kill our gods, in hubris do we seek to resurrect them."
