I'm beyond skeptical of this. It doesn't really make sense from DNA and fossil migration perspective.
…
This stuff is fun to think about, but it has no basis is reality. I'll also add there's a ton of clickbait "science" websites out there that have interesting headlines, but aren't any better then crap you find on facebook. Sorry to be that guy. Regardless, fun thread.
What are your current thoughts on The Simulation?
haha touche! I think it's a fun thing to talk about over drinks, etc. I think it is a possibility. The Simulation is a philosophical discussion and not a scientific one.
Is the distinction here that a hypothesis becomes philosophical rather than scientific if we decide that it’s unlikely we’ll be able to obtain evidence?
Yes. If there is no solid way to test for a simulation so falls under philosophy. Fun to think about, might be likely. Not science. Science requires a way to test hypotheses. The author in the OP doesn't even seem to be trying. Just bad info and god of the gaps type logic flaws. Not a huge deal or anything. I understand this was supposed to be a fun thread that I kinda crapped on.
As an aside, I see this discussion a lot in the physics world regarding multiverses. It's become quite popular, but there doesn't seem to be a good way to test it. There are some ideas on how to infer other universes exist, but not direct evidence.
Actually this does a better job of explaining the different types multiverses:
According to MIT cosmologist Max Tegmark, there are four levels of parallel universes:
Level 1: An infinite universe that, by the laws of probability, must contain another copy of Earth somewhere
Level 2: Other distant regions of space with different physical parameters, but the same basic laws
Level 3: Other universes where each possibility that can exist does exist, as described by the many worlds interpretation (MWI) of quantum physics
Level 4: Entirely distinct universes that may not even be connected to ours in any meaningful way and very likely have entirely different fundamental physical laws
Personally I'd most likely put the chance we're living in a simulation higher than most people on the street.
I think a multiverse (including all variants) is very likely. Like 65%. Maybe higher.
This whole multiverse concept is hard for me to get my head around for some reason.
One problem is there are so many variants of what a "multiverse" means. Here's a few:
Cosmic inflation - Many universes outside of our own with unique physics properties. IMO this the most likely.
Many Worlds - This is the Schrodinger's cat stuff. Basically we're constantly splitting into new universes (technically worlds).
Infinite Universe - If our universe is infinite then everything will repeat itself and include variants.
There's also a string theory multiverse.
I haven't tried to digest the links you included (thanks btw!)... but the first one sounds like the Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse concept.
I haven't seen the movie, but #1 may depend on if cosmic inflation is infinite. #1 will include universes that have different physical properties then ours. For example, with cosmic inflation a universe may have weaker gravity then our so in that universe planets and stars don't form. #2 and #3 might be a better fit.
