Strange science 😦

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

If it is a simulation, what should I do differently?

Exactly.

Boru

[Alan V]

If reality is a simulation, what is it a simulation of exactly?

[AFTT47]

Phew. Researchers have mathematically proven that the universe cannot be a computer simulation.

Their paper in the Journal of Holography Applications in Physics shows that reality operates on principles beyond computation.

Using Gödel’s incompleteness theorem, they argue that no algorithmic or computational system can fully describe the universe, because some truths, so called "Gödelian truths" require non algorithmic understanding, a form of reasoning that no computer or simulation can reproduce.

Since all simulations are inherently algorithmic, and the fundamental nature of reality is non algorithmic, the researchers conclude that the universe cannot be, and could never be a simulation.

https://news.ok.ubc.ca/2025/10/30/ubco-s...imulation/

I saw that.  It reminded me of Penrose's contention that consciousness can't be algorithmic for the same reason.  Call me skeptical.  It's a one-size-fits-all argument for whatever bollocks mysticism or woo you want to argue.  I think it's bollocks.  It ignores and trammels right past the important caveats about Godel's theorems to deliver a pre-determined conclusion.

Yes, that was the first thing I thought of. I got Roger Penrose's book in Kindle format but couldn't slog my way through it. I'm not qualified to weigh in on his assertions but it didn't pass my smell test. I just noted his claim and the fact that not many of his peers seem to be on board with it.

[AFTT47]

If it is a simulation, what should I do differently?

Exactly.

Boru

Kind of a philosophical inquiry but it does raise the question if there is actually any meaningful difference between a simulated universe and a so-called real one. Real in what respect? The two universes might be different 'under the hood' but is one really any more 'real' than the other?

[Fake Messiah]

The best argument I've heard against the simulated universe is that you would need the energy of an entire universe to simulate a universe. But then again, there are already some games that simulate the entire galaxy, like No Man's Sky, although, I guess, not very precise. We haven't even come to a point where we can precisely simulate an Earth-like planet. GTA games come relatively close to simulating a city.

[Paleophyte]

Since all simulations are inherently algorithmic, and the fundamental nature of reality is non algorithmic, the researchers conclude that the universe cannot be, and could never be a simulation.

This leads me to wonder how our perception does exactly that. Either they're suggesting that there's something "non-algorithmic" about the human brain or they're suggesting that we can't perceive reality. Both options would appear to have problems.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

Exactly.

Boru

Kind of a philosophical inquiry but it does raise the question if there is actually any meaningful difference between a simulated universe and a so-called real one. Real in what respect? The two universes might be different 'under the hood' but is one really any more 'real' than the other?

Again, it's a meaningful and important topic, it's just one I can't get excited about (like the free will debate). Living in a simulated Universe would be indistinguishable from living in a non-simulated one, so *shrug*

Boru