The Wright Show

Golden Oldie: Do We Live in a Simulation (Robert Wright & Preston Greene)

Jul 17, 2025
In this fascinating discussion, Preston Greene, a philosophy professor at Nanyang Technological University, explores the simulation hypothesis and its bewildering implications. He delves into why many believe we might live in a simulation, linking it to technological advances and cosmic observations. Greene warns against the risks of probing this theory, suggesting it could lead to unsettling truths about reality. The conversation also questions whether this idea serves as a new form of religion for atheists, prompting listeners to reconsider their perceptions of existence.
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INSIGHT

Why Simulation Hypothesis Appeals

  • The simulation hypothesis appeals due to rapid technological advancements in simulations.
  • People are fascinated by how future simulations might mirror conscious experiences like ours.
INSIGHT

Reality Remains Despite Simulation

  • Discovering we're in a simulation doesn't negate reality; it redefines fundamental metaphysical facts.
  • Reality remains real, but its basic units and origins may differ from prior beliefs.
INSIGHT

Bostrom's Probability Argument

  • Bostrom's argument says if future civilizations run many simulations, simulated beings outnumber originals.
  • Given no way to distinguish, it's likely we are simulations ourselves.
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