I Asked AI if this world is a simulation game.

1. Background of the Simulation Hypothesis

The simulation hypothesis is a theory proposed by Swedish philosopher Nick Bostrom in 2003. This hypothesis argues that our reality might actually be a highly advanced computer simulation.

1-0. Basic Assumptions

The simulation hypothesis has several basic assumptions.

1-1. Evolution of Technology

Future civilizations might possess highly advanced computer technology. This could enable them to simulate entire universes and the intelligent beings within them.

1-2. Number of Simulations

If such technology is possible, it is likely that countless simulations would be created, not just one or two. For example, there could be thousands or millions of simulations to recreate every era in history or different scenarios.

1-3. Probability of Existence

If countless simulations exist, the probability that we are in one of them is higher than the probability that we are in the one “real” reality.

2. Details of the Simulation Hypothesis

This hypothesis includes several important points:

2-1. Observation and Perception

The physical reality we observe might actually be information generated by a computer, and our perception itself might be programmed. In other words, our consciousness and senses might be generated by a highly precise program.

2-2. “Bugs” and “Lags”

Some people consider the strange behaviors in quantum mechanics and the fundamental uncertainties of the universe as “bugs” or “lags” in the simulation. For example, phenomena like quantum “superposition” and “entanglement” might be manifestations of special situations occurring during the simulation’s computation process.

2-3. Purpose of the Simulation

If we are in a simulation, what is its purpose? According to the hypothesis, future civilizations might create simulations to study past history or different scenarios. It might also be done for mere entertainment or experimentation.

3. Features of Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a field of physics that explains the behavior of matter on a very small scale. Here are some important phenomena explained in more detail:

3-1. Principle of Superposition

In quantum mechanics, particles (such as electrons) can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This is called “superposition.” For example, an electron can exist in multiple locations at once, and its position is not determined until it is observed.

3-2. Observer Effect

Particles in a state of superposition collapse into one state when observed by a human. This idea that “observation determines reality” is one of the strangest aspects of quantum mechanics.

3-3. Quantum Entanglement

When two particles become “entangled,” the state of one particle instantly determines the state of the other, no matter how far apart they are. This “quantum entanglement” is very strange and difficult to explain with conventional physical laws.

4. Relationship Between the Simulation Hypothesis and Quantum Mechanics

From the perspective of the simulation hypothesis, the strange properties of quantum mechanics offer some interesting interpretations.

4-1. Superposition and Conservation of Computational Resources

The simulation hypothesis assumes that our reality is a highly advanced computer simulation. According to this hypothesis, the state of superposition can be seen as a mechanism for the simulation to conserve computational resources. Instead of constantly calculating the state of every particle, the simulation only calculates and determines the state when it is observed. This allows the simulation to avoid unnecessary calculations and operate efficiently.

4-2. Observer Effect and Program Execution

The observer effect can be interpreted as “program execution” within the simulation. When reality is observed, that information is passed to the simulation’s “program,” calculations are performed, and reality is determined. This is similar to how a scene is rendered in a game when a player approaches something. Without observation, that scene remains a “blurred” existence to the system.

4-3. Quantum Entanglement and Backend Communication

Quantum entanglement can be explained as “backend communication” or “data synchronization” within the simulation. Entangled particles can instantly share the same information through the program, allowing for immediate information sharing beyond physical distance.

5. Implications of the Simulation Hypothesis

Combining the simulation hypothesis with quantum mechanics suggests the following:

5-1. Nature of Reality

What we consider reality might actually be a highly complex and advanced simulation. The program behind this reality controls our physical laws and quantum phenomena.

5-2. Limits of Science

If we are in a simulation, science is merely a means to discover the rules of that simulation. However, we might never reach the “true reality” behind those rules.

5-3. Ethics and Meaning

If our world is a simulation, what meaning do our actions and choices have? How are ethics and values affected? These are important questions to ponder deeply.

By combining the simulation hypothesis and quantum mechanics, we can reconsider our understanding of reality from a new perspective. Although it remains a hypothesis, it is a highly intriguing and profound topic for discussion.

6. Analogy for the Simulation Hypothesis

To understand the simulation hypothesis, let’s compare our reality to a “super-realistic video game.”

6-1. Game World

In the game you play, characters explore a vast world. For example, when you enter a city in the game, all the buildings and people in the city are displayed instantly. However, when you are outside the city, the detailed information of that place is dormant within the game console. This is how the game console lightens its load.

6-2. Simulation Hypothesis

Based on this idea, our reality might also be a virtual reality created by an incredibly advanced computer, a “simulation.” Everything we see and feel might actually be controlled by a program.

7. Analogy for Quantum Mechanics

Next, let’s think about quantum mechanics. This is the physics that explains how very small parts of matter, like atoms and electrons, behave.

7-1. Analogy for Superposition

In quantum mechanics, there is a phenomenon where a particle (like an electron) can have multiple states simultaneously until it is observed. This is called “superposition.” In a game, there are places the character has not yet visited. The scenery and items in that place are not specifically drawn until the character approaches. Until then, that place exists in a vague state, but when the character approaches, the details are suddenly drawn. This is similar to “superposition.” Until it is observed, what happens is unknown.

7-2. Analogy for the Observer Effect

Similarly, when an electron is observed, its state is determined at that moment. This is also similar to how a scene is suddenly displayed in a game when the character arrives at a specific location. The moment you observe (see) it, the place or object is determined.

7-3. Analogy for Quantum Entanglement

Another strange phenomenon is “quantum entanglement.” This is when two particles, no matter how far apart they are, instantly change in the same way when one of their states is determined. In a game, this is like two characters being connected on the same server, and when one moves, the other instantly reacts, even if they are far apart.

8. Connecting the Simulation Hypothesis and Quantum Mechanics

Thinking this way, the relationship between the simulation hypothesis and quantum mechanics becomes clearer. If our world is indeed a simulation, the strange phenomena of quantum mechanics might be explained.

For example, the superposition of electrons might be the simulation conserving resources by keeping the state vague until it is observed. And quantum entanglement might be similar to the game’s server synchronizing information, allowing instant reactions no matter the distance.

With this in mind, it might be easier to understand how the simulation hypothesis and quantum mechanics are connected.