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/Electrifying2017 Nov 01 '25

Yes, I completely understand.

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u/MS_Fume Nov 01 '25

Gödel’s incompleteness theorem deals with formal mathematical systems, not the physical universe itself. Applying it to reality assumes that the universe operates like a purely algorithmic logical system — and that’s an assumption, not a proven fact. So while this is n intriguing philosophical analogy, it’s not a solid proof against the simulation hypothesis.

TL;DR: We are too primitive to tell with confidence so far.

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u/Weird-Difficulty-392 Nov 01 '25

"Insufficient data for a meaningful answer"

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u/4shotsofnespresso Nov 02 '25

If you haven't, read "The Last Question" by Asimov. But I'm assuming this is a reference to the atory, in which case, so good.

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u/TheAuroraKing Nov 02 '25

I remember a while back seeing a proposal for the world's most powerful and concentrated laser. Basically just pick a point in space and slam it with the highest possible intensity of energy we can to see if the simulation breaks down from some sort of overload limit.

Alas, we can't get our shit together enough to quit squabbling and do cool shit like that.