Virtual Universe

Melinda Wenner
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Might our universe be nothing more than a virtual reality simulation? That's the question being asked by New Zealand physicist Brian Whitworth. "The virtual reality concept is familiar to us from online worlds, but our world as a virtual reality is usually a subject for science fiction rather than science," Whitworth says in a paper he has submitted online. "Yet logically the world could be an information simulation running on a multi-dimensional space-time screen."

But as New Scientist blogger Justin Mullins rightly points out, Whitworth fails to address some key questions in his paper. Among them, Mullins writes, "Whether the VR hypothesis is actually testable is a question Whitworth avoids. But without testable predictions about the universe that would distinguish this idea from other theories, the VR hypothesis is pure philosophy."

Still, it's an interesting idea. Quoting distinguished astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington in his article, Whitworth reminds us that "not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine."

Thanks to Federico for suggesting this story.

Comments

maya OR maybe god is a computer!

Submitted by technoshaman88 on Sat, 01/12/2008 - 10:05.
i find it funny when this stuff kind of stuff (the holographic universe thoery is another good example) gets presented as a new idea when eastern people have been treating the fundamentally virtual or illusory nature of reality (maya) as a basic tenant for millenia.

singularity

Submitted by FartMcNoodle on Sat, 01/12/2008 - 19:12.
is it possible that the point of singularity (of the technological nature) could be a link between this simulated world and our place in it? for instance, the point at which computing intelegence is equal to or greater than humans (which according to moore's law and accelerating change is not to far off) and the point where computers can reproduce themselves technologically and advancing its own computing capability. one whould have to imagine after an unknown amount of time these super computers would figure out how to break the conventional boundaries of space and time. and essentially place our bodies, souls, minds, or what have you into a complex program of "our reality". i doubt this hypothesis has not already been proposed, but as they say, there is nothing new under the sun.. but might there be in a black hole? //|:|\\

New Idea..?

Submitted by mariah on Fri, 01/18/2008 - 09:40.
The theory 'A Virtual Reality' (The Matrix) where a being is basically programed to exist without knowledge of this 'reality' existence actually stems back to Plato (Allegory of the cave)which was interpreted later by Socrates around 517-bc!! This Philosophical Doctrine creates a perceptual experience whereby people face the wall in the cave and only see shadows for their lifetime, this is percieved as their "reality" and for what reason are they given to doubt their existence along with their perceptual concepts!It is the assumption by the majority that if there is not evidential proof of a theory then it most likely doesint exist. Science and Philosophy contradict their purposes when in comparison. Science can only prove something to exist by using previous existing evidence to help for future development, which some could say derived from the big bang (Apparently how we came to evolve), but science cannot prove how the big bang happened  in the first place, there are theories im sure but for now it remains a mystery ! Philosophy asks the questions that science is to scared to venture, it asks the questions that can be analysed by use of reason rather then equation.So in conclusion science may not solve this 'virtual reality' but philosophy with reason can convince that its possible.

Maybe gnosis

Submitted by bogomil on Fri, 01/18/2008 - 19:50.
With a 15-20 old interest in this special subject, I'm happy to see, that I'm not alone. And for a start, I would like to add still another theological/philosophical group proposing such a virtual reality scenario. Some of the pagan gnostic sects said the same, actually resembling hinayana buddhism very much. The only difference is, that the gnostics were "religious", postulating a "real" god, different from the creator of the universe, called the demi-urge (the "architect" in Matrix, Mara in buddhism). The reason science can't come up with answers about the nature of the void (chaos), is that the parameters of science don't allow such. Mostly by being restricted by demands of empiricism. You can't "measure" non-empiric phenomena (the void) with empiric tools (science). A redefinition of scientific epistemology is necessary. One simple solution: Instead of relying ONLY on linear methods (such as logic, inductive and deductive arguments, pragmatism), we could add another tool in making structural comparisons between various belief systems. All the linear methods have their limits, because they are based on certain assumptions, so in the end you'll have only so much knowledge, as these assumptions (axioms) allow. So first we develop any given (linear) belief-system to it's natural conclusions. After this we compare the conclusions from different belief-systems, looking for similarities. At first hand science compared to religious/theological/philosophical/cosmologies/cosmogonies. I have found some really interesting patterns, which seems to give much meaning. Without violating neither science nor theology. It would take too much space to get into details here, but maybe later I would like to open communication with interested parts elsewhere (PS I'm not a member of any sect, crackpot group or anything close to such).

Refreshing!

Submitted by mariah on Sat, 01/19/2008 - 10:36.

Hi there, well i have just joined reality sandwich and have no idea how it really works so im hoping this is a reply to your comment left about 'a virtual reality'. I have to say i found it very intriguing, im only 16 and have finished one year of studying philosophy and will continue on this year. Once you start to question your reality,existence, perception and so on its hard to stop. Im very interested in what research you have done and what simularities you have discovered for different belief systems. Anyway anthing your willing to share would be greatly appreciated, cheers.

The Void

Submitted by shaktibaba on Sat, 01/26/2008 - 13:53.
I hang out in the the Void a lot, it is my preferred place of after 35 years of Kundalini yoga which I teach to a small group of advanced meditators who have been my students for many years. From my experience the Void is neither chaos nor virtual reality, but the pulsating ground of being which is somewhere beyond the senses, or rather through the senses. Tantra develops the senses to a highly refined state to apprehend this reality; the goal is not better sex on a physical level but a cosmic orgasm with the Void. The Void cannot be measured by empirical means but that doesn't mean it is not real. Most Buddhists believe it is a zero point, arriived at through a process of negation. .From the point of view of my lineage of Kashmiri Shaivism they are wrong for it field of energy and consciousness which is incredibly groovy to be in. This "virtual reality" is also the causal matrix where you burn away karma from this lifetime and past lifetimes. Hanging out in the Void radically alters your programming. The catch is that you need to leave behind all traces  of the self and it takes a significant commitment of time and effort to get there or stay there for some time... Psychedelics don't even get you close. They are just a subtle body experience and not a Void body experience.Penultimate rather than ultimate. Why not go for the whole enchilada?

IN THE FIRE OF WISDOM BURNS

Submitted by moshiya on Mon, 02/04/2008 - 10:04.
IN THE FIRE OF WISDOM BURNS THE FLAME OF LOVE

IN THE FIRE OF WISDOM BURNS

Submitted by moshiya on Mon, 02/04/2008 - 10:05.
IN THE FIRE OF WISDOM BURNS THE FLAME OF LOVE

Korzybski would be rotating in his grave

Submitted by bogomil on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 20:14.
If no will for a common language exists, communication is ofcourse impossible. But if it makes you guys feel more happy, I have examined both the fundamentalist and the chemical paths as a participating observer. And found them lacking. I still prefer communication, understanding and symbiosis, though it's far less dramatic and entertaining than kundalini fireworks or chemical shortcuts. But just in case. Glory to crown chakras, ragged rats and hotel clerks.