[ashleyw]

I'm certainly not qualified in this field, but I think it's inevitable that we as a species will eventually simulate a universe. And if that's the case, we've really got to ask whether we're a simulation ourselves. At the macro level this seemingly arbitrary universe makes a lot of sense, which makes me wonder if our universe is one in a long 'family' of simulated universes, each making modifications along the way, deliberate or otherwise, evolving towards the universe we have before us today (and beyond.) After all, once you have the computational power to simulate one universe, it'll not be long before you can simulate 10,000 simultaneously (..and only keep the fittest!)

[JonnieCache]

Presumably you've read http://www.simulation-argument.com ?

If not, then enjoy yourself.

[ashleyw]

No I haven't seen that, it's fantastic -- Thanks!

[bonobo]

You might find this story quite interesting: http://qntm.org/responsibility