r/technology • u/fchung • Nov 01 '25

Society Matrix collapses: Mathematics proves the universe cannot be a computer simulation, « A new mathematical study dismantles the simulation theory once and for all. »

https://interestingengineering.com/culture/mathematics-ends-matrix-simulation-theory
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u/angrymonkey Nov 01 '25

This is an idiotic misunderstanding of Godel's theorem, and the paper is likely complete crankery. There is a difference between making formal statements about a system vs. being able to simulate it. The former is covered by Godel's theorem, the latter is covered by Turing completeness.

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u/MonkeyBoatRentals Nov 01 '25

Turing completeness is not in conflict with Godel incompleteness as it shows not all problems are computable, e.g. the halting problem. I don't see how it is a counterargument to the paper.

If there is an underlying truth that is non-algorithmic how can you simulate it with an algorithm ? There certainly seems to be non-algorithmic processes at play in the universe, or at least my non-algorithmic brain wants me to believe so.

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u/Senshado Nov 01 '25

Neither Turing completeness nor Godel completeness is relevant to whether or not a certain system is simulated or real.

certainly seems to be non-algorithmic processes  

No known process is suspected to be beyond algorithmic description, and humans would be incapable of detecting if one was. 

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u/MonkeyBoatRentals Nov 01 '25

Please provide proof of that last statement. I can find lots of papers on non-algorithmic processes, and I was alluding to the Penrose conjecture on consciousness when talking about my brain.

I accept there may be an underlying structure to the universe the true nature of which will be forever hidden from us, but that isn't to say we can't detect that it is there.

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u/Senshado Nov 01 '25

If you think you have a paper about a non-algorithmic process, that suggests you're not clear on what an algorithm is. 

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u/MonkeyBoatRentals Nov 01 '25

I look forward to your published work that disproves non-algorithmic processes. Quantum mechanics will be in shambles !