The Simulation Argument

What if, you're just a bunch of binary code? This is just the question raised by Nick Bostrom Director, Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University. The gist of the argument is whether or not a computer program or the like is controlling us as a species. Are we Sims run amok? Are we in fact in the Matrix? The science project of some elementary school aged alien?

Who is driving the bus?

One of the issues many people raise surrounding the Simulation Argument is, the ethics. According to the general ethics of humanity, if there is someone or something running this show, are they unethical for letting so many bad things happen? Is this argument familiar yet?

Who's ethics do we apply to the equation? Any casual glance at a newspaper or television will tell us that, the ethics of humans as a whole are lacking. That is not to say that we as a species are absolutely doomed or heading for evil. Not at all. Rather, are we truly in any position to be questioning the ethics of something that may or may not be running the show from afar?

Personally, I think not.

If you remove the technology from the question, take out the idea that we are in the Matrix these are the same questions that have driven humankind since time out of mind. Collectively the yen to know why has captivated us.

Most of us are neither scientists nor are we philosophers but we are all living on this planet for better or worse. Regardless of our beliefs (or lack of) we wonder. Is this perhaps the key to even start to unravel the mystery of our origins and what is really going on in this world? Could the fact that we question be the first steps on the path to finding out the answers to our biggest questions?
Perhaps.

Whether you are devoutly religious, an atheist or a spiritual wanderer I believe whole-heartedly that these ideas bear thought and consideration. Even if you don't particularly care to think about the big questions as you navigate your own bit of the universe, are a part of it. Everyday, every action you take has an impact and that fact alone deserves a moment's pause. I don't suggest that you must base your life on the greater good, or even that you devote your time and energy to trying to figure out the answers to the big question. Only, that you think about it once in awhile.

Think about your actions, think about the impact you have on this great big world that we inhabit. Regardless of who's driving the bus, we're all on it together and if we're lucky we won't run off the road. The truth is, the probability that we will figure out if we are in fact Simulations, Divine beings or some school project for a life form we cannot yet fathom is decidedly low. But what we can do, is make sure that this is the best Sims game ever.

Why?

I will give you one good reason, because wouldn't it be a shame if someone pushed the reset button before we get to the ending?