Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu – Evidence We’re In A Simulation Is Everywhere. All You Have To Do Is Look | Joscha Bach PT 1

Intro

In this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, Tom interviews Joscha Bach, an AI researcher and cognitive scientist, about the concept of living in a simulation created by our brains. They explore the relationship between our perception of reality and our consciousness, as well as the implications of simulation theory. Joscha Bach shares insights into the nature of consciousness, the role of AI in our future, and the importance of understanding cognition.

Main Takeaways

Embracing the Simulation

• Our brain creates the world around us, and we are living in a simulation created by our own consciousness.
• Similar to AI algorithms on social media, our brain dictates what we look at and see.
• Understanding that our perception of reality is an abstraction can help us gain control over our emotions and cognition.

Shared Models of Reality

• We create reality together with others through shared models of reality that we exchange.
• Our models of reality are coarse-grained generalizations over perceptual data.
• Our brain is a self-organizing system that learns to pay attention to certain patterns through perception and prediction.

The Nature of Perception

• Our sense of “now” can vary from a fraction of a second to up to three seconds.
• Colors do not exist in the world; they are interpretations of different energy levels of photons.
• Our brain translates regular patterns of air molecules into mathematical models that we experience as sound.

The Universe and Simulation Theory

• The universe can exist without an additional cause or underlying substrate, and we might be living in one of those possibilities.
• Simulation universes can be stacked, creating a computer that can run Minecraft, albeit slowly.
• Manipulating the simulation does not manipulate the underlying reality.

Consciousness and Self-Organizing Systems

• Our brain is a self-organizing system, and consciousness is the ability to become coherent and gather skills as we grow up.
• We can construct our mental representations and change them when we are conscious and awake.
• Understanding cognition is important for better control of our lives and experiences.

Summary

The Nature of Reality and Perception

In this episode, Joscha Bach explores the idea that we are living in a simulation created by our own consciousness. Our brain dictates what we look at and see, similar to how AI algorithms on social media curate our online experience. Our perception of reality is an abstraction that has evolved to give us predictive ability. Colors, for example, are interpretations of different energy levels of photons, and sound is our brain translating patterns of air molecules into mathematical models. Understanding these concepts allows us to gain control over our emotions and cognition.

Shared Models of Reality and Self-Organizing Systems

We create reality together with others through shared models of reality that we exchange. Our brain is a self-organizing system that learns to pay attention to certain patterns through perception and prediction. Our sense of “now” can vary, and our brain constructs a cohesive moment from fragmented sensory input. It is through these shared models and self-organizing processes that we navigate the world and find food.

Simulation Theory and Consciousness

Simulation theory suggests that the universe can exist without an additional cause or underlying substrate, and we might be living in one of those possibilities. Simulation universes can be stacked, creating a computer that can run Minecraft, albeit slowly. However, manipulating the simulation does not manipulate the underlying reality. Our brain is a self-organizing system, and consciousness is the ability to become coherent and gather skills as we grow up. Understanding cognition is crucial for better control of our lives and experiences.

Conclusion

The concept of living in a simulation created by our own consciousness challenges our understanding of reality. Embracing the idea that our perception of reality is an abstraction allows us to gain control over our emotions and cognition. Shared models of reality and self-organizing systems play a crucial role in how we navigate the world. Simulation theory raises questions about the nature of the universe and the potential existence of multiple simulation universes. Understanding cognition and consciousness is essential for better control of our lives and experiences.