Simulation Theory: Are We in a Computed Reality

Nick Bostrom's simulation argument presents a logical trilemma: either civilizations go extinct before creating ancestor simulations, advanced civilizations choose not to simulate, or we are almost certainly in a simulation. The argument is structurally sound given its premises.

Supporting observations: quantum mechanics suggests observation-dependent reality (double-slit experiment), mathematics describes physical reality with unreasonable effectiveness (Wigner), and information theory increasingly looks foundational to physics. Potential 'glitches' like the Mandela Effect are cited anecdotally.

Counter-arguments: the hypothesis may be unfalsifiable (not scientific by Popper's criterion), computational requirements may be impossibly large, and consciousness may not be computable. Tom Campbell's 'My Big TOE' attempts a rigorous simulation framework.

Initial probability: 30-40% that we exist in some form of computed or information-based reality.