Simulated Universe Theory, also known as the Simulation Hypothesis, is the proposition that our universe is not a natural or physical reality but instead an artificial simulation. According to this theory, the universe, including everything and everyone within it, is part of a computer-like simulation or virtual environment, created by an advanced civilisation or entity. This theory implies that the laws of physics, time, space, and the perception of consciousness are all coded into this simulation, providing a consistent yet artificial experience.
Is it copy of something
A simulation, we are told, does not have to be an exact copy of an existing reality. Instead, it can refer to a system or environment that imitates the characteristics, behaviour, or appearance of something. A simulation can replicate real-world scenarios, like flight simulators, which mimic real flying conditions.
In the case of Simulated Universe Theory, it suggests a universe that has been replicated, a replication of another universe.
The etymology of ‘simulation’
The term “simulation” comes from the Latin word “simulatio,” which means imitation or pretense. This word, in turn, is derived from “simulare,” which means to imitate or to pretend. The Latin root “similis,” meaning “like” or “similar,” also forms the base of these terms. Over time, the term “simulation” evolved to refer to a representation or model that replicates the appearance or behaviour of a system, often for the purpose of study or training.
So, the etymological roots of “simulation” suggest imitation, which implies a form of copying of something else. A simulation often involves creating a model that replicates certain aspects of a real-world system.
Imaginary universe hypothesis
An imagined universe could be akin to a facade or an illusion, and an “imaginary universe hypothesis” may perhaps offer a more fitting explanation for the reality humanity is experiencing. This theory implies that the universe appears real due to the convincing appearance and functionality of its facade, much like how computer graphics can convincingly depict realistic environments. The computational requirements may not be as demanding as a simulation because the focus would be on creating a realistic experience rather than simulating a detailed, fully functional reality at every level. The theory would lean towards the universe being a simplified construct that just appears detailed and comprehensive from a limited perspective. It also suggests that this universe is unique and not a simulation of some other.
Glitches
Inconsistencies in the apparently natural world might be seen as glitches in the program of an imagined reality. Just as software programs sometimes produce unexpected errors, our perceived universe could exhibit anomalies that don’t align with its established laws or logic. These glitches could manifest as irregularities in physics, inexplicable phenomena, or paradoxes in perception, hinting at flaws in the underlying code that governs the simulation. Just as graphical or logical glitches in a video game reveal the software’s inner workings, inconsistencies in our reality could suggest imperfections in the imagined universe’s framework, hinting at a constructed nature behind the facade.
Fallibility
Such glitches in an imagined universe could point to the fallibility of its creators, revealing that even entities advanced enough to construct such a reality are not immune to error. Just as human programmers sometimes introduce bugs into their software, the creators of an imagined universe might unintentionally allow inconsistencies to slip through the cracks of their design. These glitches could reflect limitations in their understanding or oversight in their creation, showing that their control over the environment isn’t absolute. Such imperfections may reveal the constraints within which they operate, highlighting that even creators wielding seemingly vast knowledge and capability are not infallible. This notion implies that the creators, though possibly possessing sophisticated technology and intellect, are not immune to the complexities and challenges of their task.
Game creators
3D game creators may be following in the footsteps of our universe’s creators by designing detailed, immersive environments that parallel the complexities of an imagined reality. They construct digital worlds that are governed by their own set of rules, just as our universe operates under natural laws. These creators shape virtual ecosystems with intricate physics engines, lifelike graphics, and interactive elements, echoing the broader principles and mechanisms that could exist. Their creations allow users to navigate virtual landscapes, interact with digital inhabitants, and experience scenarios often surpassing real-life conditions, all of which mirror how our universe could have been constructed by its own creators. In essence, game developers are experimenting with the same concepts of imagination, control, and immersion that underpin the hypothetical construct of an imagined universe.
Future selves
If we stretch our imagination, we might also theorise that our universe is an imaginary construct devised by humanity’s future selves, wielding technology and knowledge beyond our current comprehension. This notion suggests that advanced descendants, having attained the capability to imagine entire realities, have created a universe that serves as an intricate, immersive experiment. Their goal could be to explore the origins and development of life, human behaviour, or cosmic evolution, all within a controlled environment. In this scenario, the apparent history and complexity of our universe could be the result of deliberate design, with future humans curiously studying or perhaps interacting with their ancestors within this elaborate creation.
Prototypes
How often do we hear of ancient artefacts and structures turning up that indicate human occupation of areas of the Earth millions of years before our time?
Imagine that such ancient artefacts, scattered across different cultures and eras, are not merely relics of bygone civilisations but remnants of prototype universes. Such artefacts, with their enigmatic designs and intricate craftsmanship, could be seen as fragments of earlier attempts to shape a reality, representing the prototypes and experiments of our universe’s creators. These objects hint at a time when the creators tested various blueprints for reality and their preserved presence in our current world stands as a testament to past ambitions to decode or refine the rules of existence, echoing a pursuit to master the art of universe creation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the apparent world we perceive could be a creation that exists within or is an extension of the minds of an advanced intelligence, or perhaps even our own future descendants. This hypothetical scenario suggests that our reality may not be an absolute truth but a construct purposefully designed by entities seeking to achieve some purpose. Whether their intention is to gain retrospective insight into human evolution, explore the nature of consciousness, or conduct experiments on a cosmic scale, the idea that our universe is a product of deliberate imagination opens a realm of possibilities about its origins. The perceived consistencies and inconsistencies within our reality might reflect the objectives and limitations of these creators, suggesting that the universe we experience could be an intricate game, a sophisticated experiment, or the grandest act of imagination ever conceived.
