Is the Universe a Mathematical Simulation?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between math and the physical world, and the theory that we are living in a simulation. It is mentioned that personal theories are not allowed on the forum and a link to further information is provided. The conversation also addresses the importance of peer-reviewed research and avoiding pop science. The participants express their agreement and the thread is closed.
  • #1
NotKepler
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Now, we all know all physical things are related to math. EVERYTHING is related to math. Now, we have all heard the theory that we are all living in a simulation, right? What if... math is the coding of the simulation and throughout time we have been decoding our own simulation.
 
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  • #2
Hi, the rules of this forum is that personal theories are not allowed.
Regretfully, for this thread, the forum rules are not simulated.
 
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  • #3
DennisN said:
Regretfully, ..., the forum rules are not simulated.
I like that!
 
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  • #4
As already said
DennisN said:
Hi, the rules of this forum is that personal theories are not allowed.
However, the way the question in the OP is worded calls for a remark.

Related to math is not a good way to see it. We use math to describe what we measure. It turned out to be the best language to do so. Theoretically there could be another way to write down physics, although it's hard to imagine one. In any case, there is a difference between the experiments and their description, the analogy between code and program goes in that direction. In general we demand a peer reviewed paper published in a well recognized journal to debate upon, for otherwise discussions tend to lose their focus. A start for more information about the idea in question could be the Wikipedia article about it - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation_hypothesis - and especially the references therein. It also contains a discussion about this idea and especially its connection to pop science, which we do not discuss on PF either, as it is in 99% of all cases wrong, full of bad comparisons and misconceptions, and leading in wrong directions. It would simply be needed to repeat a study of physics, to correct all the errors in such publications, and this can't be done on the Internet.

As a general remark on further posts: "Now we all know" followed by a statement, which itself is already debatable, might be a good start in a rhetoric debate competition, however, it is not within the science community. What we all know is accepted science, mainstream if you like, but not what is written somewhere, especially if it concerns interpretations rather than facts. It is a rhetoric mean to either heat a debate or settle false assumptions - and neither is suited to earn merits in a scientific discussion.
256bits said:
I like that!
Me, too.
Thread closed.
 
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FAQ: Is the Universe a Mathematical Simulation?

Is there evidence that the universe is a simulation?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence that definitively proves or disproves the idea that the universe is a simulation. However, some theories, such as the holographic principle, suggest that the universe may behave like a simulation in certain ways.

Who or what is controlling the simulation?

This is a highly debated and speculative question. Some suggest that an advanced civilization or higher beings may be controlling the simulation, while others propose that it could be a computer program or algorithm.

How can we test or prove the simulation theory?

At this time, there is no way to definitively test or prove the idea that the universe is a simulation. However, some scientists are actively working on developing simulations and experiments that may provide insights or clues into the nature of our universe.

What implications does the simulation theory have on our understanding of reality?

If the simulation theory were to be proven true, it would fundamentally change our understanding of reality and our place in the universe. It would also raise philosophical and ethical questions about the nature of existence and free will.

Is it possible that we are living in a simulation within a simulation?

While it is possible, there is no way to confirm or deny this idea. Some scientists and philosophers have proposed the idea of a "simulation within a simulation" or an infinite loop of simulations, but it remains a purely theoretical concept with no evidence to support it.

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