We live in a vast universe, on a small, wet planet where billions of years ago, single-celled life forms evolved from the same elements as all non-living material around them. This proliferation and radiation resulted in an incredible array of complex life forms. Everything, living and inanimate, microscopic and cosmic, is governed by mathematical laws with seemingly arbitrary constants. This realization opens up a profound question: If the universe is entirely governed by these laws, could a sufficiently powerful computer simulate it exactly?
Could our reality actually be an incredibly detailed simulation set in place by a much more advanced civilization? While this idea may sound like science fiction, it has been the subject of serious inquiry. Philosopher Nick Bostrom advanced a compelling argument that we’re likely living in a simulation, and some scientists also think it’s a possibility. These scientists have started thinking about experimental tests to find out whether our universe is a simulation. They are hypothesizing about what the constraints of the simulation might be, and how those constraints could lead to detectable signs in the world.
So where might we look for those glitches? One idea is that as a simulation runs, it might accumulate errors over time. To correct for these errors, the simulators could adjust the constants in the laws of nature. These shifts could be tiny—for instance, certain constants we’ve measured with accuracies of parts per million have stayed steady for decades, so any drift would have to be on an even smaller scale. But as we gain more precision in our measurements of these constants, we might detect slight changes over time.
Another possible place to look comes from the concept that finite computing power, no matter how huge, can’t simulate infinities. If space and time are continuous, then even a tiny piece of the universe has infinite points and becomes impossible to simulate with finite computing power. So a simulation would have to represent space and time in very small pieces. These would be almost incomprehensibly tiny. But we might be able to search for them by using certain subatomic particles as probes.
The basic principle is this: the smaller something is, the more sensitive it will be to disruption—think of hitting a pothole on a skateboard versus in a truck. Any unit in space-time would be so small that most things would travel through it without disruption—not just objects large enough to be visible to the naked eye, but also molecules, atoms, and even electrons and most of the other subatomic particles we’ve discovered.
If we do discover a tiny unit in space-time or a shifting constant in a natural law, would that prove the universe is a simulation? No— it would only be the first of many steps. There could be other explanations for each of those findings. And a lot more evidence would be needed to establish the simulation hypothesis as a working theory of nature. However many tests we design, we’re limited by some assumptions they all share.
Our current understanding of the natural world on the quantum level breaks down at what’s known as the Planck scale. If the unit of space-time is on this scale, we wouldn’t be able to look for it with our current scientific understanding. There’s still a wide range of things that are smaller than what’s currently observable but larger than the Planck scale to investigate. Similarly, shifts in the constants of natural laws could occur so slowly that they would only be observable over the lifetime of the universe. So they could exist even if we don’t detect them over centuries or millennia of measurements.
We’re also biased towards thinking that our universe’s simulator, if it exists, makes calculations the same way we do, with similar computational limitations. Really, we have no way of knowing what an alien civilization’s constraints and methods would be—but we have to start somewhere.
It may never be possible to prove conclusively that the universe either is, or isn’t, a simulation, but we’ll always be pushing science and technology forward in pursuit of the question: what is the nature of reality?
Investigate the mathematical laws that govern the universe. Choose a specific constant (e.g., the speed of light, gravitational constant) and research its significance. Create a presentation explaining how this constant is measured, its importance in physics, and any historical changes in its value.
Participate in a structured debate on the simulation hypothesis. Divide into two groups: one supporting the idea that our universe could be a simulation, and the other opposing it. Use philosophical arguments, scientific theories, and evidence from the article to support your stance. Conclude with a class discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.
Design a hypothetical experiment to detect “glitches” in the universe. Consider what kind of data you would need, how you would collect it, and what results would indicate a possible simulation. Present your experimental design to the class, explaining the rationale behind your choices.
Research the concept of finite computing power and its implications for simulating the universe. Write a report discussing how finite computing power could limit the simulation of continuous space and time. Include examples of how scientists might detect the discrete nature of space-time using subatomic particles.
Write a short story or essay from the perspective of a character who discovers that their universe is a simulation. Explore their thoughts, emotions, and actions upon this realization. How do they cope with the knowledge? What changes do they observe in their world? Share your story with the class and discuss the different perspectives presented.
universe – all existing matter, space, and energy considered as a whole; the cosmos – The study of black holes has greatly expanded our understanding of the vastness of the universe.
mathematical – relating to mathematics or its principles – The professor used mathematical equations to prove his hypothesis.
mystery – something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain – The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains a mystery to archaeologists.
reality – the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined – Virtual reality technology provides an immersive experience that blurs the line between fantasy and reality.
simulation – the imitation of a situation or process in a virtual or artificial environment, often for the purpose of study or entertainment – Flight simulators are used to train pilots in a realistic simulated environment.
glitches – unexpected problems or malfunctions, often temporary, in a system or process – The video game had several glitches that caused the character to freeze in place.
constraints – limitations or restrictions that impose boundaries on a system or process – The project had strict time constraints, requiring the team to work efficiently to meet the deadline.
computing power – the capability of a computer or computing system to perform operations and handle complex tasks – The latest supercomputer has an impressive amount of computing power, allowing it to solve complex calculations in seconds.
evidence – information or facts that support or prove the truth of something – The fingerprints found at the crime scene provided crucial evidence in solving the case.
limitations – restrictions or boundaries that define the extent or scope of something – The limitations of the software prevented it from handling large amounts of data efficiently.
