iteration "X9987ghy7Q" ponders the Fermi Paradox

From: Brent Thomas (bthomas@avatar-intl.com)
Date: Mon Aug 04 2003 - 15:42:11 MDT

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    It seems clear to me that as a civilization advances and increases its
    available computing power a larger and larger portion of that available
    power is used in simulation. Simulation of physics, of environments, of
    creatures and yes of detailed and functional creatures in environments.
    Creatures such as ourselves?
     
    As computer power increases over time so too must the frequency and
    capability of those simulations. Given a simple statistical evaluation
    of the process it is nearly inescapable that we must in fact be resident
    in such a simulation (even if it is not detectable as such to us). In
    fact these simulated creatures must so substantially outweigh any "real"
    creatures that most often any thinking and introspective being is most
    likely in such a simulation.
     
    Such a simulation would explain many aspects of the questions discussed
    on this list. Why are there no visiting aliens? why they're not present
    in our simulation....etc etc etc
     
    The real question becomes then if one is resident in a simulation how to
    "discover" this fact? how to communicate with the "runner" of the
    simulation (which may in fact be many levels deep as a sufficiently
    detailed simulation would in fact run their own simulations) and what
    benefit may be derived from doing so? (it may in fact be futile and best
    ignored. Shall we then behave and believe that we are in fact real?)
     
    Ultimately this may be a futile question with no answer but it may in
    fact be the only question worth answering. Python had it wrong...the
    earth isn't a massive computer designed to answer some obscure
    question...the whole universe is...
     
     



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