What if reality was a sort of computer code, if we were all characters in an advanced video game? This is the provocative question posed by Dr. Melvin Vopson, physicist at the University of Portsmouth.
Based on new discoveries in the physics of information, Vopson suggests (here, if you want to learn more) that we might actually be living in a computer simulation, and it's not just a philosophical exercise, but a theory supported by physical laws.
The incredible theory of the universe as a simulation
First of all, let's take a step back. The idea that reality might be a simulation is not new. Leaving aside the numerous studies on the topic (for example this, or this) even “pop stars” like Elon Musk they said that the odds that we live in “base reality” are billions to one.
Today, the Portsmouth physicist takes this theory to a new level, supported by a newly discovered law of physics.
Ladies and gentlemen: infodynamics
I talked about Vopson's thought last year, trying to make his theoretical basis simple. If you want, you can dust everything off from this article.
Vopson's theory belongs to the field ofphysical information, which sees reality as fundamentally made up of essential units of information. The physicist's research in 2022 led to the discovery of a new law of physics that can predict genetic mutations in organisms, including viruses.
This law is based on the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy can only increase or remain the same. What happens when you put physics and biology together?
A physicist hunting for the “Matrix”
Surprisingly, the law discovered by Vopson could have implications not only for genetic research but also for other physical systems and environments, including atomic physics and cosmology. “I had a feeling that this revelation would have far-reaching implications across various scientific disciplines,” the physicist said. And apparently that's the case. Not just for him, I mean.
For example, research provides insights into the behavior of electrons in multi-electron atoms. It explains phenomena such as Hund's rule, revealing that electrons organize themselves to minimize their informational entropy. Vopson adds that his work also explains the prevalence of symmetry in the universe. Nothing else?
Towards empirical confirmation?
Further empirical research is needed to test the hypothesis. Vopson thinks of a possible experimental path that could confirm the fifth phase of matter in the universe, using particle-antiparticle collisions.
If Vopson's theory is correct (I rephrase: if we ever manage to prove that it is) we might have to revise everything we know about reality. It's a field that seems like it belongs in science fiction, but it's also a scientific possibility. And if we were really in a simulation, what would we do?
While we think about it, maybe it's time to start thinking about how to “hack” this reality for a better future.
