Is the Universe a Simulation?

The simulation hypothesis argues we might be living inside a computer-like simulation based on Nick Bostrom’s projection of future technology, and the idea has drawn interest and skepticism from scientists and the public alike.

Is the universe a simulation? People have asked variations of this question for centuries. The modern simulation hypothesis links that long-standing doubt to improvements in computing, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Philosopher Nick Bostrom offered a formal argument that projects those trends into the future and asks whether many realistic simulations could exist. Key points: - Questions about whether our perceptions reflect a deeper reality date back to thinkers such as Zhuangzi and Plato. - Bostrom’s argument reasons that if future civilizations can run many realistic simulations, then simulated lives could outnumber original ones. - The argument does not require scientific proof; it follows from the logical consequences of assuming many powerful simulations will exist. - The article notes parallels some people draw between features of physics (a smallest length scale and the observable-universe limit) and how simulations handle resolution and visibility. - Public figures and scientists have discussed the idea; the article reports that Neil deGrasse Tyson once placed the odds at about 50-50, and others such as Elon Musk have also voiced interest. - Many scholars remain skeptical, saying the computing power needed would be extreme and might never be achieved. Summary: The simulation hypothesis reframes an old philosophical question using modern technological trends and has stimulated public and scientific debate. Undetermined at this time.