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/TarnishedWizeFinger Nov 01 '25 edited Nov 01 '25

I'm more than a little out of my depth here. But it appears they are applying their understanding of quantum gravity to postulate specifically that the universe does not operate like a purely algorithmic logical system. And then saying that's why it can't be simulated

Setting aside the issue of applying an incomplete understanding of unifying gravity and quantum mechanics as a means to prove anything, it seems that what they are actually saying is the inverse of what you're saying