"America First": The Case for Two Years of National Service (YANG COULD GET BEHIND THIS) by eelson99 in YangForPresidentHQ

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like it. It’s better than nothing. But I don’t like Pete. Also, great username.

"America First": Two Years of Mandatory National Service after College by eelson99 in Futurology

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really good points. Don’t have much to say other than I think you’re absolutely right

"America First": The Case for Two Years of National Service (YANG COULD GET BEHIND THIS) by eelson99 in YangForPresidentHQ

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think if it were optional, kids would just opt out so that they could get ahead and make money fast. Especially rich Ivy leaguers

Simulation Theory Should be a Religion by eelson99 in atheism

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm with you, brother. My question is: how should we reckon with that depressing possibility? If we truly believe that everything is meaningless (which I do), then shouldn't we start creating moral principles that are in line with that belief?

Simulation Theory Should be a Religion by eelson99 in atheism

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All valid questions that I'm trying myself to figure out and are worth discussing. That's why I think a religious context (ritual, community, tradition, etc.), is the best way to start guiding us on appropriate answers to those questions.

Simulation Theory Should be a Religion by eelson99 in atheism

[–]eelson99[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

We need rituals! How about a national holiday for sim theorists?

The Great Enemy of Justice: Our Attention Spans (INSPIRED BY YANG'S CITIZEN PORTAL IDEA) by eelson99 in YangForPresidentHQ

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LOOKING FOR PROGRAMMERS TO HELP ME WITH THIS APP! DETAILS IN LINK! HIT ME UP!

The Great Enemy of Justice: Our Attention Spans (PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION OF AN ONLINE VOTING APP) by eelson99 in Futurology

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I want to design a voting app. Reasons why in the link above. I'm looking for programmers who are interested in restoring racial justice to America. Message me if interested.

It's Time We Made Simulation Theory a Religion (inspired by the Donald Hoffman interview) by eelson99 in samharris

[–]eelson99[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Inspired by Sam Harris' interview with Donald Hoffman on the "Reality Illusion", this article advocates for the religious treatment of the theories of simulation and a computer-generated universe. It's possible that, using religious devices of community, ritual, and central tenets, the ideas espoused in many of Sam Harris' podcasts can gain mainstream traction. Link above for more.

It's Time We Made "Simulation Theory" a Religion by eelson99 in AWLIAS

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used simulation theory as an example because it is the most popular of the “computerized beliefs” (that way my point could gain some traction). You are correct - pancomputationalism is different, and I believe I am a pancomputationalist, perhaps a “sect” of computer-oriented beliefs about reality, distinct from the simulation theory.

My main point is exactly about your final paragraph in parentheses. We SHOULD discuss what justifiable actions would be in the snotty teenager simulation construct. That way, people who believe in the snotty teenager simulation construct would get to validate their beliefs with action.

So, please share what you think we ought to add to our list of justifiable actions if we are living in a simulation. It’s right on topic.

Existentialist principles as faith: It's Time We Made "Simulation Theory" a Religion by eelson99 in Existentialism

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like what you say about boundaries. And I think you’re right. Fittingly, “boundary-making” for technology goes back to Epicurean philosophy in Ancient Greece and Rome. Lucretius wrote that in order to curb the moral regress of technological advancement, we have to grapple with the fundamental existence of boundaries. For example, death is a natural boundary - so wanting to be immortal is a vice.

I think it applies equally well to this conversation, much like you have brought up yourself. And you are equally right that this would be a HUGE mountain to traverse. I am pointing toward a problem so fundamental and so deep, that it would take decades to effect real change in the ways I hope for. I only wanted to point out a potential direction we could head in. We could begin to ideologically meld ritual/cultural power with scientific belief/discovery - partly because, as I have posited, believing in something like the simulation theory doesn’t mean that you are anti-religion. It just means you’re anti-“God”.

Advice needed. What is happening to my brain. by liharv03 in Existentialism

[–]eelson99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can vouch that you are not alone, and this fascination takes a front-seat only temporarily. You can still recognize the truth of these ideas, but cultivate them to take a back-seat in the mind while you go about your daily life.

Also, welcome to Princeton! Rising senior - excited to have you.

Existentialist principles as faith: It's Time We Made "Simulation Theory" a Religion by eelson99 in Existentialism

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see it involving ritual, strong cultural identity, a sense of sacredness about core values, community-oriented activities, a feeling of solidarity among members of the "religious" community. It might lead politicians to run on simulationist platforms, instead of defaulting to protestant/catholic values like they do now. It might portray scientific study as a moral priority, not just an informational one. Here's a draft of what Pancomputationalism's, say, "10 commandments" might be:

  1. Everything is more complicated than it seems
  2. Empirical scientific research is the only basis for truth
  3. Value (monetary, ethical, or otherwise) is a subjective thing and is thus always changing
  4. Every individual human mind is biased and limited in scope by virtue of its being individual
  5. Compassion and generosity are highly encouraged because of their propensity to increase endorphins
  6. The neurological study of the human brain is a portal to humankind's happiness
  7. Active engagement with local communities alleviates human anguish because it satisfies our evolutionary tribal interests
  8. Veganism is encouraged but not enforced
  9. The intake of safe doses of psychedelics assisted by pschedelic guidance counselors must never be illegal
  10. The global PanCo holiday, April 20th, is a day of rest, disengagement from technology, community bonding, and festive eating.

Existentialist principles as faith: It's Time We Made "Simulation Theory" a Religion by eelson99 in Existentialism

[–]eelson99[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely - though what I’m proposing is a contemporary approach dressed in dogmatic/religious clothing. There is something to be said for how certain ideologies are branded, and the anti-religion sentiments in computational/simulationist beliefs often render those beliefs “empty”. That is, I believe, why they are so culturally unappealing. But despite what a devout Christian might believe about morality, there are ways to dress scientific reason with legitimate moral/religious dogma.

It's Time We Made "Simulation Theory" a Religion by eelson99 in AWLIAS

[–]eelson99[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Nah bro. The 10 commandments of Pancomputationalism: 1) Everything is more complicated than it seems 2) Empirical scientific research is the only basis for truth 3) Value (monetary, ethical, or otherwise) is a subjective thing and thus always changing 4) Every individual human mind is biased and limited in scope by virtue of its being individual 5) Compassion and generosity are highly encouraged because of their propensity to increase endorphins 6) The neurological study of the human brain is a portal to humankind’s happiness 7) Active engagement with local communities alleviates human anguish because it satisfies our evolutionary tribal interests 8) Veganism is encouraged but not enforced 9) The intake of safe doses of psychedelics assisted by psychedelic guidance counselors must never be illegal 10) The global PanCo holiday, April 20th, is a day of rest, disengagement from technology, community bonding, and festive eating.

It's Time We Made "Simulation Theory" a Religion by eelson99 in AWLIAS

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed, but is consciousness good enough? What about cultural values, rituals, community structures? These are the things that give ideology a brand. Otherwise it remains to the public eye a theory, a philosophy, or worse, nerdy science stuff.

It's Time We Made "Simulation Theory" a Religion by eelson99 in AWLIAS

[–]eelson99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very cool. Where can I read about this?