The Evolutionary Argument Against Reality

[rdunk]

quote - Norval said , , , , there is also the Bibles explanation of "WHO, WHAT, and WHY" we were created, , , , , , 

I actually can't see any reason they are not interchangeable concepts. When creation started it could just have easily been done in a virtual environment or many other possibilities beyond our understanding. Whatever our condition and whatever reality is I believe there is purpose behind it all and a plan in place.

[/color]

Just how might any difference appear to us, whether the universe was started by "computer generation", or if it was started by being spoken into existence by God, as the Bible clearly tells us?? Could a difference be ascertained by even the best of "science"?

[Pimander]

It's just his opinion, the fact that he has been successful in several things doesn't mean he is right.

I don't agree with his assessment that the odds are billions to one against this being base reality.  We have no way of knowing the odds.

I do agree that this could be a simulation.  Even if descriptions in the Babble were entirely correct, the creator(s) could still be a "computer program" and not be aware of the fact.  The computer doesn't have to be a silicon based like the ones we are familiar with.

We describe the physical universe using mathematics.  That could be because the universe is in fact a set of algorithms.  A computer program is effectively a set of algorithms that determine how the program behaves.  That would make the quest for a "Grand Unified Theory" simply a quest to work out what the code of the program is.

Consciousness is still mysterious though.  Is a computer conscious?  Can a computer be conscious?

[ArMaP]

A computer program is effectively a set of algorithms that determine how the program behaves.

Not really, a computer program is a set of commands that follow one or more algorithms, an algorithm is a description of an idea, turned into a list of inputs, actions and outputs.

[Pimander]

OK, a program is normally a set of instructions and algorithms (I should have ignored the term algorithm really).  Essentially a program is mathematical and we also use mathematics to describe the universe.

I'm not saying it is evidence that the universe is like a computer program but the fact that the universe is also mathematical is an interesting.