Book
The simulation hypothesis : an MIT computer scientist shows why AI, quantum physics and eastern mystics agree we are in a video game / Rizwan Virk.
"The Simulation Hypothesis is the idea that our physical reality, far from being a solid physical universe, is part of an increasingly sophisticated video game-like simulation, consisting of pixels with its own internal clock.In the Simulation Hypothesis, the mysteries of quantum science, the path of artificially intelligent consciousness, the evolution of VR and quantum computers, along with previously taboo subjects like consciousness and karma, are brought together into a cohesive, information-based computer science framework. [...] For the first time, the Simulation Hypothesis delves into all the angles that make this remarkable theory one of the most important of our time!"-- from publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780983056904
- ISBN: 0983056900
- Physical Description: 313 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm.
- Edition: First edition.
- Publisher: [Cambridge, Massachusetts?] : Bayview, [2019].
- Copyright: ©2019.
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Reality. Ontology. Metaphysics. |
Available copies
- 1 of 1 copy available at BC Interlibrary Connect. (Show)
- 1 of 1 copy available at Prince Rupert Library.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Holdable? | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Rupert Library | 111 Virk (Text) | 33294002070050 | Adult Non-Fiction | Volume hold | Reshelving | - |
- Baker & Taylor
The Simulation Hypothesis is the bestselling book about the groundbreaking idea that our physical reality is part of a sophisticated video game, like the Matrix. Drawing upon research computer science, artificial intelligence, quantum physics, and world religions, Virk shows how a simulation is the best explanation for our universe. Written by an MIT computer scientist and video game designer, you will never look at the world the same way again. Original. Illustrations. - Bayview Books Llc
An MIT computer scientist and Silicon Valley video game designer Brings Together threads from computer science, AI, quantum physics, Eastern mystics and Western religions to show that we are inside as simulation like the Matrix. - Bayview Books Llc
The Simulation Hypothesis, by best-selling author, renowned MIT computer scientist and Silicon Valley video game designer Rizwan Virk, is the first serious book to explain one of the most daring and consequential theories of our time. Riz is the Executive Director of Play Labs @ MIT, a video game startup incubator at the MIT Game Lab.Drawing from research and concepts from computer science, artificial intelligence, video games, quantum physics, and referencing both speculative fiction and ancient eastern spiritual texts, Virk shows how all of these traditions come together to point to the idea that we may be inside a simulated reality like the Matrix.The Simulation Hypothesis is the idea that our physical reality, far from being a solid physical universe, is part of an increasingly sophisticated video game-like simulation, where we all have multiple lives, consisting of pixels with its own internal clock run by some giant Artificial Intelligence. Simulation theory explains some of the biggest mysteries of quantum and relativistic physics, such as quantum indeterminacy, parallel universes, and the integral nature of the speed of light.Recently, the idea that we may be living in a giant video game has received a lot of attention: âThe chances that we not in a simualtion is one in billions." -Elon Musk âI find it hard to argue we are not in a simulation.â -Neil deGrasse Tyson âWe are living in computer generated reality.â -Philip K. Dick Video game technology has developed from basic arcade and text adventures to MMORPGs. Video game designer Riz Virk shows how these games may continue to evolve in the future, including virtual reality, augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence, and quantum computing. This book shows how this evolution could lead us to the point of being able to develop all encompassing virtual worlds like the Oasis in Ready Player One, or the simulated reality in the Matrix. While the idea sounds like science fiction, many scientists, engineers, and professors have given the Simulation Hypothesis serious consideration. Futurist Ray Kurzweil has popularized the idea of downloading our consciousness into a silicon based device, which would mean we are just digital information after all. Some, like Oxford lecturer Nick Bostrom, goes further and thinks we may in fact be artificially intelligent consciousness inside such a simulation already! But the Simulation Hypothesis is not just a modern idea. Philosophers like Plato have been telling us that we live in a âcaveâ and can only see shadows of the real world. Mystics of all traditions have long contended that we are living in some kind of âillusion âand that there are other realities which we can access with our minds. While even Judeo-Christian traditions have this idea, Eastern traditions like Buddhism and Hinduism make this idea part of their core tradition?â?that we are inside a dream world (âMayaâ or illusion, or Vishnuâs Dream), and we have âmultiple livesâ playing different characters when one dies, continuing to gain experience and âlevel upâ after completing certain challenges. Sounds a lot like a video game! Whether you are a computer scientist, a fan of science fiction like the Matrix movies, a video game enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, The Simulation Hypothesis touches on all these areas, and you will never look at the world the same way again!
