Simulation Theory

The current form of this idea is popularized by Nick Bostrom, but the idea goes back much further. When the first stories were told, the life of the story would change form in retelling, or from another’s perspective. The story would adapt form to the needs of the audience and the story teller, each time growing in life and detail. This does not directly relate to Simulation Theory, but it sets the stage for the next form of its progression, Game Theory. This idea is popularized in 1983’s “War Games“, but the idea goes back nearly as far as written history. Create a board with realistic as possible environment features and set the pieces on the board. The purpose, to evaluate the potential outcomes to be able to take action to ensure a favorable outcome. This has been a popular practice for centuries, to help envision the outcome and control potential variables.

While simulating a victorious battle has not always produced a favorable result, a reflection of the cause is generally the same: the variables were inadequately assessed. With a more realistic, and accurate simulation, real-world results are more likely to match. This is further refined when multiple scenarios are explored, then outlining what potential actions result in the desired outcome. This is the heart of simulation theory, or at least a primary motivation to pursue such endeavors. If provided with a simulator that accurately mimics reality and accounts for any and all variations, a path to any desired outcome is produced. As for evidence of our possible existence in such a reality is possible, look at the Double-Slit experiment, quantum error-correcting found in general relativity, or the actual likelihood of existence at all.

Hold on to your seatbelts, because here is where things go off the rails. I am going to take some creative pose here, with little in the way of scientific fact to paint a picture, so this is your warning to turn back if this is too much.

I present, the “Fate Machine”. A monstrosity of technological mastery, so large and powerful, it mimics the size of a planet and cools itself with frozen temperatures of space. This machine would simulate a near-infinite number of realities that produce realism and accuracy such that it could fool its creator. The purpose? This is open to speculation, but it is conceivable that it would be to create some desired outcome, for gain or survival.

Ok, you can take your tinfoil hat off now. This is simply a theory, and even if true should not impact your daily life anyways. You should live your life doing what makes you happy, and pursue meaningful goals. I would like to think that if the time comes when we are faced with such a possibility, we have some grasp of care and ethical responsibility.