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Rebuilding Quantum Theory From Simple Physical Principles

quantamagazine.org

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Re: Rebuilding Quantum Theory From Simple Physical Principles

#5

Post by blurbleblurble »

dboreham wrote: post #2

Reading this I see for the first time why the notion that the universe is a simulation isn't so far fetched.

Maybe you'd enjoy John Lilly's book "simulations of god". It's a meditation on human attempts to grasp life and existence.

Re: Rebuilding Quantum Theory From Simple Physical Principles

#6

Post by danbruc »

dboreham wrote: post #2

Reading this I see for the first time why the notion that the universe is a simulation isn't so far fetched.

I have to disagree and I can not really understand what is so appealing about the simulation idea to many. It is an idea that will lead nowhere because you are unable to distinguish a real universe from a simulated one. In order to do this you would have to know what at least one of those scenarios looks like and then compare the universe you observe to what you know to be true about a real or simulated universe.

It is common to base such thoughts on analogies between our universe and our computers, i.e. our computers have only finite precision while the universe seems continuous, at least to a very good approximation. Therefore if we would detect rounding errors in the universe we would know that the universe is actually a simulation.

But that is at least naive and most likely not true. How would you know that a real universe does not have finite precision? Why would you assume simulation must have finite precision? And you have to answer the same question for any other feature you want to use to make the distinction.

Re: Rebuilding Quantum Theory From Simple Physical Principles

#7

Post by goalieca »

dboreham wrote: post #2

Reading this I see for the first time why the notion that the universe is a simulation isn't so far fetched.

The article states that axioms they are using for the reconstruction theory end up being abstracted above the underlying reality. It does not suggest the underlying reality is many-worlds, simulation, etc.

Re: Rebuilding Quantum Theory From Simple Physical Principles

#8

Post by QAPereo »

danbruc wrote: post #6
dboreham wrote: post #2

Reading this I see for the first time why the notion that the universe is a simulation isn't so far fetched.

I have to disagree and I can not really understand what is so appealing about the simulation idea to many. It is an idea that will lead nowhere because you are unable to distinguish a real universe from a simulated one. In order to do this you would have to know what at least one of those scenarios looks like and then compare the universe you observe to what you know to be true about a real or simulated universe. It…

I have to disagree and I can not really understand what is so appealing about the simulation idea to many.

You can’t see the appeal of an unfalsifiable conjecture that everything including us, is an intentional creation of some manner of vast and powerful intelligence? Aliens, Simulators, Bulk Beings, or you know... Gods.

It’s just new window dressing on an ancient dream.

Re: Rebuilding Quantum Theory From Simple Physical Principles

#9

Post by danbruc »

QAPereo wrote: post #8
danbruc wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have to disagree and I can not really understand what is so appealing about the simulation idea to many. It is an idea that will lead nowhere because you are unable to distinguish a real universe from a simulated one. In order to do this you would have to know what at least one of those scenarios looks like and then compare the universe you observe to what you know to be true about a real or simulated universe. It…

I have to disagree and I can not really understand what is so appealing about the simulation idea to many. You can’t see the appeal of an unfalsifiable conjecture that everything including us, is an intentional creation of some manner of vast and powerful intelligence? Aliens, Simulators, Bulk Beings, or you know... Gods. It’s just new window dressing on an ancient dream.

Well, I can neither see the appeal of gods. I guess many people just like to have uncertainty removed from their life even if that is not actually true. And that is probably the point that I don't get, why or how people get something out of those, well let me call them lies.

Re: Rebuilding Quantum Theory From Simple Physical Principles

#10

Post by QAPereo »

danbruc wrote: post #9
QAPereo wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have to disagree and I can not really understand what is so appealing about the simulation idea to many. You can’t see the appeal of an unfalsifiable conjecture that everything including us, is an intentional creation of some manner of vast and powerful intelligence? Aliens, Simulators, Bulk Beings, or you know... Gods. It’s just new window dressing on an ancient dream.

Well, I can neither see the appeal of gods. I guess many people just like to have uncertainty removed from their life even if that is not actually true. And that is probably the point that I don't get, why or how people get something out of those, well let me call them lies.

The universe is big and scary, and decidedly not anthropocentric or even comprehensible,.. some people want it to be, decide that it is, and believe that.
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