By Melvin M. Vopson, University of Portsmouth
October 23, 2023
The simulated universe theory proposes that our truth is an intricate computer simulation, an idea echoed throughout history and pop culture. The second law of infodynamics, an idea introduced utilizing information theory, recommends that information entropy must decrease or stay consistent over time. This new law may supply proof for the simulated universe theory, as it suggests universal data optimization and compression, which are characteristics of a simulation.
New research on information entropy may use evidence for the theory that our universe is a sophisticated simulation, with deep implications for various fields, from biology to cosmology.
The simulated universe theory suggests that our universe, with all its galaxies, planets and life types, is a meticulously programmed computer simulation. In this scenario, the physical laws governing our truth are simply algorithms. The experiences we have are produced by the computational processes of an exceptionally sophisticated system.
While naturally speculative, the simulated universe theory has actually gotten attention from scientists and philosophers due to its interesting implications. The concept has made its mark in popular culture, throughout motion pictures, TV shows, and books– including the 1999 movie The Matrix.
The 2nd law of infodynamics, a principle introduced utilizing info theory, suggests that info entropy need to reduce or stay constant over time. At the heart of the second law of infodynamics is the idea of entropy– a measure of condition, which always rises over time in a separated system. It is in overall opposition to the 2nd law of thermodynamics (that heat always streams spontaneously from hot to cold areas of matter while entropy increases). My law can validate how hereditary info behaves. Instead, genetic mutations take place according to the second law of infodynamics, in such a method that the genomes information entropy is always reduced.
Historical Context
The earliest records of the concept that reality is an impression are from ancient Greece. There, the concern “What is the nature of our reality?” positioned by Plato (427 BC) and others, brought to life idealism. Idealist ancient thinkers such as Plato considered mind and spirit as the abiding truth. Matter, they argued, was just a manifestation or impression.
Quick forward to modern times, and idealism has actually morphed into a new philosophy. This is the idea that both the material world and awareness are part of a simulated truth. This is simply a modern-day extension of idealism, driven by recent technological improvements in computing and digital technologies. In both cases, the true nature of reality goes beyond the physical.
The Scientific Perspective
Within the clinical community, the idea of a simulated universe has sparked both fascination and apprehension. Some researchers recommend that if our reality is a simulation, there might be problems or patterns within the fabric of deep space that betray its simulated nature.
Nevertheless, the look for such abnormalities stays a difficulty. Our understanding of the laws of physics is still evolving. Eventually, we do not have a conclusive structure to identify between simulated and non-simulated truth.
A New Law of Physics
If our physical reality is a simulated construct, rather than an objective world that exists independently of the observer, then how could we clinically prove this? In a 2022 study, I proposed a possible experiment, but it stays untried today.
Nevertheless, there is hope. Info theory is the mathematical study of the quantification, storage and interaction of details. Initially developed by mathematician Claude Shannon, it has actually become progressively popular in physics and is utilized a growing series of research study locations.
In my recent research study, released in AIP Advances, I used info theory to propose a brand-new law of physics, which I call the 2nd law of infodynamics. And importantly, it appears to support the simulated universe theory.
At the heart of the second law of infodynamics is the idea of entropy– a procedure of disorder, which always rises over time in an isolated system. When a hot cup of coffee is left on the table, after a while it will accomplish equilibrium, having the same temperature level with the environment. The entropy of the system is at maximum at this moment, and its energy is minimum.
The 2nd law of infodynamics states that the “info entropy” (the average quantity of info communicated by an event), should remain consistent or reduction gradually– up to a minimum value at stability.
It is in overall opposition to the second law of thermodynamics (that heat always streams spontaneously from hot to cold regions of matter while entropy increases). Information entropy constantly goes down over time as entropy goes up.
Applications and Implications of the New Law
My research study suggests that the second law of infodynamics seems a cosmological requirement. It is generally relevant with enormous clinical implications. We understand deep space is expanding without the loss or gain of heat, which needs the total entropy of deep space to be continuous. We likewise know from thermodynamics that entropy is always rising. I argue this shows that there must be another entropy– info entropy– to stabilize the boost.
My law can validate how hereditary info behaves. Instead, hereditary mutations take location according to the 2nd law of infodynamics, in such a method that the genomes info entropy is always reduced.
Most surprisingly, this brand-new law discusses one of the great secrets of nature. Why does symmetry instead of asymmetry control the universe? Because such states correspond to the most affordable info entropy, my study demonstrates mathematically that high balance states are the favored choice. And, as determined by the second law of infodynamics, thats what a system will naturally pursue.
I believe this discovery has massive ramifications for hereditary research study, evolutionary biology, genetic therapies, physics, mathematics, and cosmology, among others.
Simulation Theory
The primary consequence of the 2nd law of infodynamics is the minimization of the details content related to any event or procedure in the universe. This in turn implies an optimization of the info material, or the most efficient information compression.
Because the second law of infodynamics is a cosmological need, and appears to use everywhere in the very same way, it might be concluded that this shows that the entire universe appears to be a giant computer system or a simulated construct.
A super complex universe like ours, if it were a simulation, would require integrated information optimization and compression in order to reduce the computational power and the information storage requirements to run the simulation. This is exactly what we are observing all around us, including in digital data, biological systems, mathematical balances and the whole universe.
Further studies are essential before we can certainly mention that the 2nd law of infodynamics is as basic as the second law of thermodynamics. The exact same holds true for the simulated universe hypothesis.
If they both hold up to analysis, this is possibly the very first time clinical evidence supporting this theory has been produced– as explored in my recent book.
Written by Melvin M. Vopson, Associate Professor of Physics, University of Portsmouth.
Adjusted from a short article originally published in The Conversation.