An interesting idea

[Vermillion]

I once heard tell, I can't think where of however, of this interesting little theory.
Now, imagine this: a species of intelligent creatures creates a society advanced enough that it is capable of digitally reproducing an accurate universe on an entirely virtual scale. Now, if it is an accurate universe, then that would mean that the creation is capable of creating artificial intelligence with a level of intellect equal to that of the creators, if not surpassing it. In that case, in this virtual world, it is possible that another virtual world can be created, and the pattern can continue, with world inside world inside world, much like the effect created when two mirrors are pointed at each other.
Theoretically, were this to happen, then millions of worlds would be created, one after another. Now think about this: what are the odds that we live in that one "real" world rather than one of the virtual duplicates?
Very, very, slim.
Just an interesting thing to think about.

[GordonHide]

Originally Posted by Vermillion

I once heard tell, I can't think where of however, of this interesting little theory.
Now, imagine this: a species of intelligent creatures creates a society advanced enough that it is capable of digitally reproducing an accurate universe on an entirely virtual scale. Now, if it is an accurate universe, then that would mean that the creation is capable of creating artificial intelligence with a level of intellect equal to that of the creators, if not surpassing it. In that case, in this virtual world, it is possible that another virtual world can be created, and the pattern can continue, with world inside world inside world, much like the effect created when two mirrors are pointed at each other.
Theoretically, were this to happen, then millions of worlds would be created, one after another. Now think about this: what are the odds that we live in that one "real" world rather than one of the virtual duplicates?
Very, very, slim.
Just an interesting thing to think about.

Yes, interesting in theory, but there is certainly not enough material in the universe to build the computing power necessary to model the activity of every virtual particle even if you assumed huge leaps in computer technology.

However, on a less ambitious scale, once artificial intelligence technology has advanced sufficiently far, machines will design more intelligent machines. This is in fact already happening with humans providing the input that machines currently can't do and machines doing the bits they do far better.

[Vermillion]

Originally Posted by GordonHide

Yes, interesting in theory, but there is certainly not enough material in the universe to build the computing power necessary to model the activity of every virtual particle even if you assumed huge leaps in computer technology.

Perhaps, then, the original universe was far vaster than our own, and it created a far smaller one, which in turn created a smaller one. It would limit the amount capable of being created, but it would make it... possible? This is just a thought, and I don't know much about how it would work.

[bowmore]

Originally Posted by Vermillion

It would limit the amount capable of being created

Why?

[The Valiant Paladin]

Originally Posted by bowmore

Why?

Well, since energy is quantized, you cannot encode infinite information in finite space, and since you can't run a simulation from inside the simulation, the "child" universe must be of a lower resolution than the "parent" universe.

Originally Posted by Vermillion

Theoretically, were this to happen, then millions of worlds would be created, one after another. Now think about this: what are the odds that we live in that one "real" world rather than one of the virtual duplicates?
Very, very, slim.

So what you're saying is that the chance god(s) dosen't exist is very, very slim.

[MysterMenace]

Originally Posted by Vermillion

I once heard tell, I can't think where of however, of this interesting little theory.
Now, imagine this: a species of intelligent creatures creates a society advanced enough that it is capable of digitally reproducing an accurate universe on an entirely virtual scale. Now, if it is an accurate universe, then that would mean that the creation is capable of creating artificial intelligence with a level of intellect equal to that of the creators, if not surpassing it. In that case, in this virtual world, it is possible that another virtual world can be created, and the pattern can continue, with world inside world inside world, much like the effect created when two mirrors are pointed at each other.
Theoretically, were this to happen, then millions of worlds would be created, one after another. Now think about this: what are the odds that we live in that one "real" world rather than one of the virtual duplicates?
Very, very, slim.
Just an interesting thing to think about.

We are either in the real world, an inbetween virtual world, or the most recently created virtual world.
Within your description is the ability to look into or out of our current world.
Our scientists have not seen virtual worlds on either end of the scale, therefore our world is real and unique.

[tazzman]

Originally Posted by Vermillion

I once heard tell, I can't think where of however, of this interesting little theory.
Now, imagine this: a species of intelligent creatures creates a society advanced enough that it is capable of digitally reproducing an accurate universe on an entirely virtual scale. Now, if it is an accurate universe, then that would mean that the creation is capable of creating artificial intelligence with a level of intellect equal to that of the creators, if not surpassing it. In that case, in this virtual world, it is possible that another virtual world can be created, and the pattern can continue, with world inside world inside world, much like the effect created when two mirrors are pointed at each other.
Theoretically, were this to happen, then millions of worlds would be created, one after another. Now think about this: what are the odds that we live in that one "real" world rather than one of the virtual duplicates?
Very, very, slim.
Just an interesting thing to think about.

I work a little in the film business and been told that virtual reality worlds in films will replace actors. Don’t see it, in my lifetime.

Machines are like tools. Virtual worlds of our selves that can be imitation at best. I prefer being on the unique edge rather than fighting the competition. It’s like going with the flow of the world, yet changing it at moments from out side of the box.

[OhMan]

Don't forget evolution, that's solid proof right there that less intelligent machines (cells) are able to develop more intelligent machines (organisms).

It's not that hard to think that the universe could also have occurred in much the same way, from something simple and unsophisticated.

[GordonHide]

Originally Posted by OhMan

Don't forget evolution, that's solid proof right there that less intelligent machines (cells) are able to develop more intelligent machines (organisms).

It's not that hard to think that the universe could also have occurred in much the same way, from something simple and unsophisticated.

Yes, but Vermillion appears to be working with the idea that huge intelligence is required to "manufacture" simulations of this kind.

Clearly if we look at a different model where emergent properties create complexity then the sky's the limit.

[bowmore]

Originally Posted by The Valiant Paladin

Well, since energy is quantized, you cannot encode infinite information in finite space, and since you can't run a simulation from inside the simulation, the "child" universe must be of a lower resolution than the "parent" universe.

Assuming that energy quantums can indeed not be broken up further (in smaller quantums), you are right.