Science

OKIsItJustMe

(20,823 posts)

19. Technology IS distinguishable from magic

Sun Oct 29, 2023, 07:10 PM

Oct 2023

In a beloved Sci-Fi novel, When HARLIE Was One, HARLIE invents the Graphically Omniscient Device (or “GOD Machine.”) The computer is so complex, it can model the world! It’s also so slow, that only HARLIE can wait for answers.

A similar plot device is used in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, where a Super Computer, Deep Thought designs a computer the size of a planet to determine the question to the ultimate answer of “Life, The Universe and Everything” (i.e. 42.) However, producing the question to go with the answer will take Billions of years.

To successfully simulate the great complexity of reality in “real time” would require a computer somewhat more complex, or a less complex computer, running a simulation slower than “real time.” There’s overhead to be paid here.

Take my word for it, it’s BS. Pure and simple.

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Physics Revelation Could Mean We're All Living in a Simulation [View all] orangecrush Oct 2023 OP

And I'm convinced that the person running our sim leftieNanner Oct 2023 #1

Who was that 'child' on Star Trek that vexed them all and Spock figured out that he was actually a child? keithbvadu2 Oct 2023 #7

Are you thinking of Trelane, the Squire of Gothos? tclambert Oct 2023 #9

Yes. Trelane. I gave Spock extra credit. Blame it on the vastness of space. keithbvadu2 Oct 2023 #10

Trelane (William Campbell) was great! PSPS Oct 2023 #11

We might conclude... WheelWalker Oct 2023 #2

computer, end program. hear me , end program. AllaN01Bear Oct 2023 #3

Back in the days of BASIC computer language, there was a story / joke that someone had invented a voice commanded com keithbvadu2 Oct 2023 #8

This "theory" has always struck me as BS OKIsItJustMe Oct 2023 #4

Ditto. Because it's BS. enki23 Oct 2023 #12

Actually it seems less plausible OKIsItJustMe Oct 2023 #13

Except biology pulls it off so techology should be able to do it as well in time. cstanleytech Oct 2023 #18

Technology IS distinguishable from magic OKIsItJustMe Oct 2023 #19

I'm not talking about magic I'm simply pointing out the fact that there is physically nothing to prevent cstanleytech Oct 2023 #20

No... to simulate what we perceive as reality, you need a computer more complex than reality OKIsItJustMe Oct 2023 #21

That's according to our current knowledge but new unexpected discoveries can and do happen such cstanleytech Oct 2023 #22

Thank you caraher Nov 2023 #25

My personal theory is that it originated with a couple of stoned sophomore philosophy roommates OKIsItJustMe Nov 2023 #32

on a holo cube on some star ships captains desk. or space people playing marbles . AllaN01Bear Oct 2023 #5

If we are all living in a simulation, I hope the being in charge has a really good battery backup. n/t royable Oct 2023 #6

So the premise is that a conscious being is projecting illusions to conscious beings sanatanadharma Oct 2023 #14

Brahma's dream Ponietz Nov 2023 #29

Mobius-Brahman sanatanadharma Nov 2023 #31

The efforts of religion to supersede science would be amusing except for the fact they result in so much agony. n/t. NNadir Oct 2023 #15

Theories like this are no more outrageous than the various religions of the world. Chainfire Oct 2023 #16

Which is to say, they aren't remotely scientific caraher Nov 2023 #26

If it is then the programmers are assholes. cstanleytech Oct 2023 #17

how do we hack it? nt Javaman Oct 2023 #23

Well I don't even know if these mashed potatoes are real n/t. airplaneman Nov 2023 #24

Everything in our lives happens in the universe that lies between our ears. Chainfire Nov 2023 #27

Correct airplaneman Nov 2023 #34

Ooooo noooo... if we're all inside a simulation, grumpyduck Nov 2023 #28

"The Matrix" Bayard Nov 2023 #30

This subject has come up more than once at science fiction cons. PoindexterOglethorpe Nov 2023 #33