Simulation hypothesis

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The simulation hypothesis proposes that what sentient beings experience as the world is actually a simulated reality, such as a computer simulation in which the sentient beings themselves are constructs.^[1][2] There has been much debate over this topic in the philosophical discourse, and regarding practical applications in computing. While the idea has become well known in popular culture, no substantial arguments or evidence exists as of yet in support of the idea having benefits, side-effects -- or indeed any implications -- for research in any field of scientific endevor.

In 1969 Konrad Zuse published his book Rechnender Raum (Calculating Space) on automata theory, where he proposes the idea that the universe is the result of computation. Based on the foundations of information- and computer science, this is the first documented modern version of the simulation hypothesis. In 2001, philosopher Nick Bostrom proposed the simulation argument, which suggests that if a civilization becomes capable of creating conscious simulations, it could generate so many simulated beings that a randomly chosen conscious entity would almost certainly be in a simulation. The argument presents a trilemma: either such simulations are not created due to technological limitations or self-destruction; or advanced civilizations choose not to create them; or we are almost certainly living in one. This assumes that consciousness is not uniquely tied to biological brains but can arise from any system that implements the right computational structures and processes.^[3][4]

The hypothesis is preceded by many earlier versions, and variations on the idea have also been featured in science fiction, appearing as a central plot device in many stories and films, such as The Matrix (1999).^[5]