26: Are we living in a Computer Game? Exploring the Simulation Hypothesis

In the first episode of season two, hosts Joe, Georgia, and Nick, along with guest Wes, dive deep into the simulation hypothesis. They discuss definitions of simulation reality, nested realities, and stage realities, using examples from pop culture such as The Matrix, Westworld, Ready Player One, Free Guy, and The Sims. The conversation also touches on the Double Slit Experiment, AI simulation apps, and the Mandela Effect. This episode raises intriguing questions about the nature of our reality and whether we might be living in a sophisticated simulation.Question to start you digging your own holes as you listen:1. If we discovered tomorrow that we’re living in a simulation, how would it change the way you live your life?2. If we are in a simulation, does free will still exist, or is it an illusion?3. Do you think advanced civilizations would create ancestor simulations for research, entertainment, or another purpose entirely?4. If we created simulations populated by sentient beings, would we have a moral obligation to them? How does this relate to artificial intelligence ethics today?5. Could the rise of VR, AR, and AI be steps toward humans becoming creators of simulations, repeating the cycle of nested realities?To get more insight and see how deep the rabbit hole goes, check out the (timestamped) expanded show notes.Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVSubscribe and Share our Substack newsletter to get email updates, see photos of the crew, never miss an episode, and spread the word!!Artwork by Georgia Geis see more on Instagram at atomic_number14Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Leave 5 stars! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe