Thread: Simulation Extension Paradox

Originally Posted by MrPriority

One thing that pops into my head as I read all this is something I have heard somewhere. I can't quite recall where. It said that, in order to create a simulation that is a copy of the universe, one would need a computer the size of the universe. If this is true, then your original paradox would require the subsequent VR's (virtual realities) to be a little smaller each time. Which would mean it cannot be infinite.

No, not infinitely regressable, I agree. Complexity in terms of possible matter-configurations decreases, the smaller you get, and such physical computing matrixes will be impossible to exist from a certain level down, latest when you reach subatomic particles.

But you need not start with a computer the size of our universe, if you're not actually simulating a whole universe, but only what a universe following our natural laws would be depicted as in the mind of the beings in it.
The rest need not be simulated, if it's say just humanity alone, like we feel we are anyway, you need not simulate all the aliens, who I am convinced are out there, at least not until the simulation runs towards contact.

Maybe only simulate in the direction towards which conscious attention and/or measurement devices are turned, just reaching the respective theoretical depth of registration. That would then be like some people believe reality is anyway - not existing until captured.
The borders of reality would be defined by what our collective consciousnesses have reached so far in such a scenario.

Secondly, if you speed up time in a virtual reality, what kind of consequences would that have? Do the people inside the VR realize any of it? Or does their perception of time remain the same? Can you speed up time in the first place? Or can you slow down your perception of time? I think if you can, there will probably a limit to it.

It's a fun thing to think about

I guess there's always going to be an upper limit to thought-speed depending on the physical matrix used, and maybe there's also a non-material barrier in terms of how fast you could run a mind.

Perception is illusory anyway, since we can never depict reality one on one, and hallucinations in simulation would probably have a time-tacting corresponding to thought-speed, in order to become available for conscious access. It could be theoretically possible to run "perception" faster in a simulation, since no information from the senses has to be taken into timely account, and what isn't "meant" to get into your awareness anyway, need not appear at all.

Time-dilation or speeding-up effects while dreaming haven't been demonstrable as far as I know, though.
So I guess thought-speed is bound by hardware to a tight margin and hallucinations will correspond.