I quite like the simulation theory, as turned into a religion in The Algebraist by Ian M. Banks.
Basically, given that there is a better than zero chance of intelligent life in the universe, and that there is a better than zero chance of that life becoming technological, chances are that sooner or later said life will reach a state where they can run simulations containing intelligent life which cannot be distinguished (from the inside) from reality. In this case, (and assuming that such simulations don't require, say, all the matter in the universe being turned into one giant computer to run them) it's infinitely more likely that you live in a simulation than in the real universe. So maybe you'll live your life over and over again until you get it right. Maybe you're the only real person in existence and everything else is just testing you to see how you'll behave. Maybe, as in the book, once a certain percentage of the universe realises you're probably in a simulation then you'll all move on to the next level.

/geekout
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 11:46, 4 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

This is a brilliant way of persuading a scientist that we might be able to experience 'magic'
Thank you.
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 11:48, Reply)

I read that as "I'm to cool to say 'I belive in The Matrix'" =P

( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 11:49, Reply)

See The Thirteenth Floor and The Matrix
and arguably Dark City / Exiztenz.
(I wrote my dissertation on how sci-fi films explore what we perceive as reality)
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 11:54, Reply)

Then I shall stop talking before you make me look like a fool.

(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 11:59, Reply)

I spent ages on it, and loved doing research on it
And then, on the final read through, moments before handing it in, I thought "Damn, this is shit!". Panicked for a month, then got the mark. I'd scored very highly, which made up for ballsing up my Sartre exam.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:05, Reply)

I got a 1st for my dissertation
Then ballsed up my 'exam'. :(
I always mention the 1st in my CV though...
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:36, Reply)

I should probably do that
Well, I did in my interview anyway, so I guess that counts.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:37, Reply)

I wrote mine on perceptions of reality...
but it was to do with snap-shot photographs and the idea of truth.

Merlot-Ponty FTW!
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:00, Reply)

I wrote an essay on perception once
It was awful and got a dreadful mark, but it was fucking brilliant too.
It was based on that childish concept of 'We'll never know if we're perceiving things in the same way or not. Not evena a straight line.'
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:02, Reply)

I love that concept!
Phenomenology - my version of the colour green might be your version of blue.

Fascinating stuff - Merlot-Ponty and Sartre argued about it for years.
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:06, Reply)

that colour perception thing blows my mind
I've never successfully discussed it with anyone
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:07, Reply)

I'm honestly not sure how I'd discuss it at any length
Other than to maybe go into a 'social contract' thing about agreed-upon notions of what is green/blue etc.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:14, Reply)

that's just it
how can you get across to someone how you perceive a colour?
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:18, Reply)

That could explain
why some people are good at matching colours and others aren't. At least, that's what I like to believe, as it's a good excuse for a girl like me who always seems to put together the wrong clothes.
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:20, Reply)

I really went to town on it
The only essay that I didn't hurriedly scribble together at 6am on deadline day.

53%
SAD
FACE
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:07, Reply)

I love that too
I think I tought about that thing of the colours without anyone telling me, and I was so proud of myself. Until I realize there was a whole science behind it :(
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:16, Reply)

Perception is fascinating

( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:07, Reply)

I wrote mine on the effects of proteasome inhibition on the circadian clock mechanism,
so it's not really relevant here.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:03, Reply)

I wrote mine on modelling the impact of mangrove trees on water elevations in riverine basins
I think you'll agree that I am clearly the authority here.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:05, Reply)

I actually forgot to say that that was my second dissertation
My first was about historical accuracy in the book, 'Gone with the Wind' and my third was a poetic-prose novella about a stalker.
So I'm covering all bases.
Mad women? I'm your expert.
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:08, Reply)

I wrote mine on the effects of opiods and cannabanoids on appetite in rats.

(PsychoChomp, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:13, Reply)

nicely summarised

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 3 Aug 2010, 12:03, Reply)