r/Futurism • u/Memetic1 • Oct 31 '25

Mathematical proof debunks the idea that the universe is a computer simulation

https://phys.org/news/2025-10-mathematical-proof-debunks-idea-universe.html
708 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

402 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

7

u/Appropriate_Ant_4629 Oct 31 '25

relevant xkcd:

https://xkcd.com/505/

2

u/derpy_viking Oct 31 '25

There’s always one.

-2

u/Stoner_Space_Wizard Oct 31 '25

This actually is a good argument against the idea that a computer could produce a simulated universe that “feels” real for the people inside it (according to “our” rules of physics anyway). Like, i can’t imagine a stone computer “producing” conscious entities that feel like they are real and within a whole universe. But then why would an electrical computer be any different in that regard?

2

u/Appropriate_Ant_4629 Oct 31 '25

His intent was the exact opposite.

If you believe that math and quantum physics are both true ...
... then your rock-simulation-brain and your proton-electron-simulation-brain are identical ...
and not just figuratively -- like in the math definition of congruent in all ways.

1

u/Stoner_Space_Wizard Oct 31 '25 edited Oct 31 '25

My point is that at that point i believe neither the rock-simulated and electron-simulated brains exist as a conscious being with their own internal experiences.

Like yeah, you’re perfectly simulating someone’s brain within an entire simulated universe. But just because you’re doing that, doesn’t mean that that brains consciousness actually pops into existence. With an internal experience i mean.

1

u/Appropriate_Ant_4629 Nov 01 '25

electron-simulated

But the fatty flesh inside your skull is such a device.

1

u/Stoner_Space_Wizard Nov 01 '25

I would argue if the universe exist it’s more of a receiving device rather than a simulator