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Niko Ibarra
Test 6?
Code 97ddd
Aside from “cogito ergo sum”, there are not very many strong arguments for reality. However, diving further into the rabbit hole there are many theories and arguments debating that the very thing we call reality is merely a computer simulation. Perhaps the strongest argument is born from the aforementioned quote by Rene Descartes. By analyzing the statement, we begin see that indeed everything that is interpreted by our nervous system, and the only “solid” evidence of reality is our own ability to think. We know through the “Rubber Hand” trick and “Phantom Pains”that nervous system as well as our brains can be tricked. This thus creates a slippery slope, if one sensory tool can be tricked (touch) what other senses can be duped? To build further on this we know that dreams can seem very real but in fact are not as we can wake up when we are killed or injured in our dreams, the evidence for this being PTSD or nightmares.
I believe that we read more more today than we have ever before. Sure, the medium through which we read has changed immensely but the availability by which the new medium has provided allows for literature to be taken anywhere with power and/or internet connection. We are no longer limited to the confines of the physical books and instead have the entirety of Man’s knowledge and fantasies at our fingertips. I would be foolish however not to voice concern over exactly what content we choose to read. Indeed, the availability and sheer number of options has contributed to a sort of bottleneck where only entertainment literature make its through.
The technology I use the most is my laptop more precisely, the internet. I use it for everything from doing homework to watching Netflix. I believe my attraction to it is the ease of use and sheer number of things available to me from a simple screen with lights. To analyze it further, I can do whatever I want, learn whatever i want, be what ever i want. To boil it down even further, the internet represents pure freedom.

code: 97ddd
1: What are the strongest arguments for the universe being a computational simulation?
The strongest argument for the universe being a computational simulation is “(1) the human species is very likely to go extinct before reaching a “posthuman” stage; (2) any posthuman civilization is extremely unlikely to run a significant number of simulations of their evolutionary history (or variations thereof); (3) we are almost certainly living in a computer simulation. It follows that the belief that there is a significant chance that we will one day become posthumans who run ancestor-simulations is false, unless we are currently living in a simulation. A number of other consequences of this result are also discussed.” (Are You Living In a Computer Simulation by Nick Bostrom). It gives me a questionable thought of do we controls by principles. Because just like Mayan Prophecy and is there a dimension has exact copies of this world.
2: Do we read more or less today? Why? Explain your generational view on reading books
I think that we read more today, because the explanation of Internet. Internet becomes a necessary tool that we need it for our life. The books that I am reading, most of them are Chinese. Chinese explored a new type of novel from the supernatural category, people called it “Robbery”. This type of novel is popular in mainland and also Taiwan and Hongkong. The most famous one is Daomubiji (Translated as Grave Robber’s Chronicles or Grave Robbery Note en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daomu. ) Readers should have really strong logic to connect all the hints together to understand what’s under it. This novel practices my logic without reading the boring textbook, and expand the dark side of history. Reading books give me tons of clue, also teaches me some life principles through words. I think that reading books could really help people to understand this world and also the rules that we use for our society.
3: What technology do you use most? Explain your attraction to it.
I use cellphone the most because I download a lot of novel on my cell phone. Also, the cell phone is easy to carry, and where I go, the cell phone will be my best tool. The cell phone becomes a gallery, whatever you can think of it has all right there for you! Also, the cell phone becomes our agency, we use it for social, educated people and relax. I often use my cellphone to connect with my friends in China, and I use it to watch Japanese or Korean TVshows.

What are the strongest arguments for the universe being a computational simulation?

One of the strongest arguments for the universe being a computational simulation is Nick Bostrom’s essay titled, Are You Living In A Computer Simulation where he argues that one of tree ideas is true: “(1) the human species is very likely to go extinct before reaching a “post human” stage; (2) any post human civilization is extremely unlikely to run a significant number of simulations of their evolutionary history (or variations thereof); (3)we are almost certainly living in a computer simulation” (Bostrom). The M-theory is also a possible argument that we are a computer simulation. In addition, neuroscience has also postulated that our brain is a virtual simulator: our neurons of networks make up our reality. Conscious can be thought of as a virtual simulator. Our conscious is simply a more vivid state of mind in comparison to the dream state that we undergo while sleeping. And finally given enough computational power a virtual world is completely possible in the near future.

Do we read more or less today? Why? Explain your generational view on reading books.

Today it is rather obvious that we read much less in comparison to past generations. The lack of reading, I believe, is due to the emergence of the technological/informational era. Now, more than ever, there are more forms of entertainment than ever before. Whereas back in the day people would turn to books for entertainment, nowadays we can turn on our televisions or our personal computers and phones to entertain us. In addition, we now get our information through other sources besides books. The internet and Google have completely revolutionized the way people receive their information. Back in the day when people wanted to learn something they would look for books on a particular subject, but now we can simply google whatever we wish to know. Similarly, videos like documentaries teach us so much more and are much more entertaining than books. To my generation the book has become an ancient form to storage information. Books to us seem dense and rather time consuming. When looking for some type of information we prefer Googling something to checking out or buying a book because Google is faster and we do not wish to sit down and read a whole book. Although books do cover topics more in death and provide details I think that it is a matter of preference. Some people still love reading books and others don’t.

What technology do you use most? Explain your attraction to it.
I use my IPhone every single day for just about everything in my life. My attraction to it is based on the fact that it can do a plethora of things. It wakes me up in the morning, tells me how many hours I slept, what time it is, how the traffic is, how the weather will be, alerts me of any messages (emails and texts), it gives me directions to my destinations, plays my music, my favorite videos and movies, helps me communicate by making reservations and calling, entertains me with games, keeps me informed and allows me to research anything that I want. I get all that from a device that fits in the palm of my hand; that is the reason why I am attracted to it. It is my own personal assistant and entertainer which helps my life be more productive, that is why I have it next to me at all times.

Film Test 6

1. What are the strongest arguments for the universe being a computational simulation?

One of the strongest arguments for the universe being a computational simulation is that we really don’t have much certainty about what is real. For instance, we know that we dream when we sleep, and most of the time these dreams seem pretty real when they are occurring, but how do we really know what is real and when we have woken into a higher consciousness and true reality? Usually we make this determination by utilizing external data streams, however, it could be possible that there are many more levels of consciousness and alternate realities than we realize. Likewise, it could be possible that many different universes exist. Another dimension to this argument is that given our current advanced technology and CGI abilities, it is not that implausible that we would be able to create these types of simulations in the near future. Even now, it is sometimes very difficult for us to distinguish between what is real and what is virtually created.


2. Do we read more or less today? Why? Explain your generational view on reading books

I think that we may read a little less today than in the past, but I do not believe that the difference is very dramatic. I think that the greatest decline can be seen with physical printed books and newspapers. However, this is due partly to the transition to electronic media, such as e-books, news apps, etc. Additionally, we still read a great deal overall, however, some of our reading has been replaced with social media and such, rather than novels and informational books. Nonetheless, many printed school textbooks are still used and produced today. Another possible reason we may not be reading as many books as before is because we have so many other entertainment options now to choose from besides books, and at the same time, these overwhelming distractions have shortened our attention span, limiting our ability to get through a book. There is also the issue of physical bookstores, which could work to argue either side. On one hand, the bankruptcy and eventual closure of the former national bookstore chain Borders demonstrates how we are not purchasing as many physical books anymore. On the other hand, the fact that Barnes & Noble still has many open stores nationwide demonstrates how there are still many people who frequent these bookstores, though the chain may not be doing quite as well as they used to. Overall, I do not think our reading will dramatically decrease anytime soon, though the mediums may change and have to adapt.


3. What technology do you use most? Explain your attraction to it.

Although I have always been intrigued by computers since early middle school, I think that the technology I use most today would be my smartphone. I believe this is because I always have it with me, and it provides many forms of entertainment and connections to the outside world. I think that as a society, we have become accustomed to having our cell phones with us at all times, and when we are without it, we feel as if a piece of us is missing. This may partially be due to the fact that our modern-day cell phones have such high capabilities and provide us with access to so much information at our fingertips. Although my cell phone is now my most used technology, I did not even have a cell phone until my late high school years, and even then it was a slightly-above-basic phone, unlike many of the young kids I see today with iPhones.

Film Test 7
Code: 97dddef

1. Why is understanding quantum mechanics and its implications important for understanding how life evolves?

The quantum theory of superposition states that at the quantum level, or subatomic level, particles have the ability to be in two places at the same time or be moving in two different directions at the same time. This theory is very difficult for humans to fully grasp because it deals with the idea that we are too "massive" for it to affect us. In this way, observers have learned to understand that this usually can only be applied to subatomic particles and that it is something unique to very tiny particles. In relation to what was mentioned in the Photosynthesis video, the idea that the packet of light acts quantum mechanically, and not randomly, and covers all possible routes to the reaction center instead of trying to find the right one can also be used in our evolutionary theory. If evolution can utilize the quantum mechanic ability to cover all possibilities at once, then it has the possibility of maximizing progress by identifying and routing out weaker traits at a much more accelerated rate than ever possible before. (Think of genes as these subatomic particles.) Of course, this is all certainly speculation at best because of the limitations of quantum mechanics to particles. Finally, the idea that time is a man-made construct plays an important role in trying to understand the universe and life in itself. We must find a way to think around the limitations that we shackle on ourselves with man-made concepts such as time and even race.

2. What is the Kirpal Statistic?

The term Kirpal Statistic comes from the guru Kirpal Singh, who along with other gurus, stated that their followers who meditated with them would see visions of lights, colors, or even some human-like figures in their subconscious. Kirpal Singh would tally down the occurrences of visions in his followers, whether it be minimal or great. Everything that the meditater claims to experience from the guru is actually just a product of their own mind. Lane calls this the Kirpal Statistic. Through different trials with multiple classes throughout his years of teaching, Lane concluded that the "probable outcome that the majority of meditaters, provided the necessary instructions... will hear and see something." This goes all the way back to the idea that visions are just projections of our own minds, not some external power entering our subconscious.

 1. What are the strongest arguments for the universe being a computational simulation?
    When pondering the universe to be a "computational simulation", it is more mind-boggling rather than a question to be enlightened by.  Yes indeed, that most complex matters such as mathematics meticulously calculate how the universe works is to be correct; however, I do not believe that we are bound by what we live in determined by a computer creator/simulator.  Such as using codes, and abiding by those or even limited by such things.  Mathematics derived from ancient human beings and was the foundation of our basic tools that established what we have today.  As said in the lecture The Theory of Everything Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2011, Tyson states regarding Eugene Wigner, "the one who commented on the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics, that we just invent in our head yet the universe follows can be described mathematically.  Mathematics is the language of the universe."  When watching this lecture it gave a very great insight on both sides of living in a simulation to living in one that is not.  I came to the blunt conclusion that a computer simulated universe is nonsensical.  I then thought of how would an "actual" computer simulated universe would be like.  Knowing that this planet and universe is so "finely tuned" it points out that a simulation is redundant.  Try to imagine some supreme being encoding everything we see and know, encoding everything imperfectly.  I would see (not knowing) less diversification in everything around me.  I would presume to see patterns rather than something different from everything.  Seeing art, people , language etc., all limited within a certain perimeter without "thinking outside the box".   It would be so imperfect, so undeniably plain faced to anyone.  Next try to imagine the sun.  Our most highly trained astronomers observing the sun on a daily basis in this "simulation" studying and retrieving data from these solar flares.  Each which has a distinct distance every time one is tremendously shot thousands of miles into space.  How peculiar would it be to only have a certain amount of distances each flare reaches in a pattern.  These "programmers" would only program the certain amount of miles each one is to be shot periodically.  With that being said, when it comes to the human brain and what distinguishes someones personality it is highly unethical for lets say billions of "programmers" to each give there personality traits to each of us human beings.  As most people would infer that a child takes the traits of its role model or mom or dad.  So try and ponder the idea of living with an abundance of people with no characteristics besides the one programmer or few programmers. If there was billions of programmers for each particular human on this planet maybe that answers the question and states we are our own programmers and describes why each persons thinks the way they do.   

2. Do we read more or less today? Why? Explain your generational view on reading books
    When I hear someone say that most people do not read as much as they used to I would say otherwise, because of the numerous sources everyone can read from.  Obviously the first answer would be to pick up a book, but the book has evolved into sources where we people possibly couldn't even imagine 20 years ago.  People can read from books, computers, smart phones and iPads!  The sources for reading are remarkable in pushing everyone's daily reading extraordinarily to an extent people look over.  When it comes to books; however, it might be saddening for some people, but the book is in the process of becoming "extinct".  Yes indeed, there are still an abundant amount of people who read books, but with every new generation that emerges they are becoming technologically savvy to our technologic advancements that there modern day book will most likely be something derived from an iPad or computer.  I believe my generation is in the middle of this scenario due to our time.  But the advancements that we give our children such as them swiping an iPhone rather than turning pages it is in fact that the next generations will be accustomed to a swipe than a turn of a page.  

3. What technology do you use most? Explain your attraction to it.
    The technology that I use most would have to be my Apple laptop.  As much as I would hope for most people to preserve the book and not replace it completely with technological advances, the computer is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship.  Instead of walking down to your public library because of a question you stumbled upon, the answer is right at someones fingertips when it comes to the computer.  Despite some unreliable sources you might have to spoon out the sources to be correct and which ones are not I am still fond of the idea of literally having an abundance of answers in front of you.  
 

Film Test 7


1. Why is understanding quantum mechanics and its implications important for understanding how life evolves?

It is important to understand quantum mechanics and its implications because they have a large impact on the evolution of life. Quantum mechanics contain the main theories used to describe everything around us, and dictates the behavior of matter and energy, and how they interact. Quantum mechanics can be used to describe how something begins as one thing and then evolves into another. The implications of this process are very important because they effect everything that occurs in our universe, and help explain much of it, or at least as much as we can currently understand.


2. What is the Kirpal Statistic?

The Kirpal Statistic is the probable outcome that the majority of meditators, provided the necessary instructions in Shabd yoga practice, will hear or see something. It is based on a practice performed by Kirpal Singh, in which he would do something along the lines of instructing a group of people to close their eyes and meditate while looking for a series of inner lights and sounds, informing them that he knew of an ancient yogi technique that would assist them with facilitating their inner voyages, and proceeded to touch their heads. Interestingly, many of the people did indeed report having such an amazing experience. Kirpal Singh attributed this success to his exceptional abilities. Though in actuality, these personal inner experiences of the participants were more likely in fact mostly due to psychology, and created by the person’s own mind. In other words, we have these experiences because we ourselves create them, not because of the spiritual powers of a gifted individual.