Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal “Virtual Reality Is GENUINE Reality" | David Chalmers Mindfest Lecture
Jan 2, 2024
David Chalmers, a philosopher and cognitive scientist renowned for his insights on consciousness and the simulation hypothesis, dives deep into the nature of virtual reality. He challenges the conventional notions of reality, arguing that digital experiences might hold real significance. Chalmers contrasts biological and fully simulated beings, raising questions about authenticity in our virtual experiences. He also discusses ethical implications in navigating these realities, inviting listeners to reconsider what existence truly means in a tech-driven world.
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Virtual Reality as Genuine Reality
- Virtual reality is genuine reality, offering real experiences and interactions.
- Virtual worlds are not illusions, but digital realities with causal powers, much like physical objects.
The Simulation Hypothesis
- We could be living in a simulation, a possibility consistent with our current evidence.
- This "simulation hypothesis" doesn't negate reality but raises questions about its nature, like Wheeler's "it from bit" hypothesis.
Defining Reality
- Reality has multiple meanings: causal power, mind-independence, and non-illusory nature.
- Virtual reality can be real in all these senses, involving real digital objects and processes.
