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A new study suggests that it is mathematically impossible for the universe to be an ultra-sophisticated computer-generated simulation. The study, conducted by an international group of theoretical physicists, explains how it would be impossible for any computer to replicate an entire universe.
The physicists argue that there is no algorithm, regardless of how advanced, that could possibly compute the fabric of reality. Therefore, despite numerous theories that have been put forth, it is not possible for us to be living in a simulation.
“It has been suggested that the universe could be simulated. If such a simulation were possible, the simulated universe could itself give rise to life, which in turn might create its own simulation,” lead author and theoretical physicist at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Mir Faizal, said in a statement. “This recursive possibility makes it seem highly unlikely that our universe is the original one, rather than a simulation nested within another simulation. This idea was once thought to lie beyond the reach of scientific inquiry. However, our recent research has demonstrated that it can, in fact, be scientifically addressed.”
The scientists explain in the study, published in the Journal of Holography Applications in Physics, “A computer follows recipes, step by step, no matter how complex. But some truths can only be grasped through non-algorithmic understanding—understanding that doesn’t follow from any sequence of logical steps. These ‘Gödelian truths‘ are real, yet impossible to prove through computation.
“Here’s a basic example using the statement, ‘This true statement is not provable.’ If it were provable, it would be false, making logic inconsistent. If it’s not provable, then it’s true, but that makes any system trying to prove it incomplete. Either way, pure computation fails.”
The universe being a simulation is literally impossible, the scientists claim
“We have demonstrated that it is impossible to describe all aspects of physical reality using a computational theory of quantum gravity,” says Faizal. “Therefore, no physically complete and consistent theory of everything can be derived from computation alone. Rather, it requires a non-algorithmic understanding, which is more fundamental than the computational laws of quantum gravity and therefore more fundamental than spacetime itself.”
Of course, all of this assumes human limitations concerning the ability of computers have identified the peak of technology. It does not take into account technology that could exist outside of our universe, which far exceeds what we have achieved. As Melvin Vopson, the head of the Information Physics Institute, told Popular Science, the study “set limits upon the system that hosts our reality.”
Despite any naysayers, Faizal maintains, “Any simulation is inherently algorithmic — it must follow programmed rules. But since the fundamental level of reality is based on non-algorithmic understanding, the universe cannot be, and could never be, a simulation.”