SII199Y: Computational Reality, Illusion and Deception

Assignment 6/7

Due dates.

In this assignment, we shall put together your growing understanding of the science and technology of computational reality with Nick Bostrom's "simulation theory" argument. Your task will be to examine, describe, discuss and assess several published articles found at simulation theory web page and elsewhere so as to understand and assess Bostrom's "we live in a computer simulation" argument. You will be doing this assignment in groups of size two. I will accept a group size of one or three for combinatorial reasons only. First, read Bostrom's original paper. Define what he means by "simulation" and discuss whether or not this differs from your understanding of this term. Next, from the position of current technology, briefly consider the technologies that would need to be improved, enhanced or invented that would be necessary for such a simulation. The list need not (indeed cannot) be completely exhaustive, but it is worth thinking about what would be needed. Given your understanding of computaional reality and the technology that supports it, state your position on whether or not you think "simulation of our ancestors" is or will be sustainable sometime in the future, however far away. Once you've thought through the technological possibility of such simulations, it will be time to think about the philosophical aspects. Summarise his argument, focusing specifically on the three propositions that frame the argument. Consider the first two propositions carefully and discuss their plausibility. Then reflect on the cases he considers in his argument. Which of the propositions do you think is most likely to be true or false? Explore various aspects of the notion of simulation. For example, if we live in a computer simulation, do we have free will? Is it of any material importance to you that you could be living in a simulation? Lastly, read at least one more substantial paper on the simulation web site, giving an overview of that paper, its plausibility, and discussing how it relates to the original paper.

Your job, then, is to form into groups of two. Work together to write a "position paper" that discusses the points above. This paper must present an clear argument of your views. Following that, create a presentation that will give an overview of this position paper. The presentation naturally should be consistent with your paper but can use a different presentation style for your argument. The paper should be co-written and presentation should be co-presented.