Adventures in the Matrix

Simulation arguments that the universe and our experience of it may be computer simulations constructed by advanced civilisations (either alien or our human/posthuman descendants) have been the subject of widespread debate since Bostrom’s original philosophical formulation of the principal position in 2003. Since then the key elements of the argument – boosted by ‘The Matrix’ film and its sequels and spin-offs covering similar scenarios – have been discussed critically by philosophers psychologists literary critics and scientists and there is now a large body of literature on the topic. The principal theme of this monograph is that this simulation literature offers immense potential for learning and teaching in a wide range of domains. After examining the main claims of the argument – and the key criticisms of simulation hypotheses – the implications of this debate in the spheres of ethics epistemology and metaphysics are examined with a view to offering practical recommendations for potentially fruitful philosophical and educational discussion topics.