Search Lincoln Cannon Menu
Lincoln Cannon

Thanks for visiting!

Theological Implications of Military Simulations

Lincoln Cannon

6 January 2009 (updated 27 March 2020)

Listen to recording

Christian Schumann-Curtis dropped me a note to point out an article on Slate, which reports that the United States Department of Defense is working on software that simulates dead soldiers. The purpose is to enable their children to interact with them for emotional support.

This is just one more data point in the trend of rapid advances in simulation technology. Extrapolate that trend into the future and you encounter an interesting implication. Either the advance will eventually and permanently halt (due to unforeseen hard technical limits, totalitarian political demands, or the destruction of our civilization) or we almost certainly live in a computed world (kind of like the Matrix, but not necessarily so evil).

If you’re not sure why these are the implications of advances in simulation technology, check out the New God Argument.

Thanks for reading! My work has significant costs in time and money. If you find value in it, please consider supporting me in the following ways:

  1. Comment thoughtfully below.
  2. Share on social media:
  3. Subscribe to my newsletter.
  4. Make a donation:
  5. Check out my sponsors!

Sponsors

Thrivous Thrivous is the human enhancement company. We develop nootropics to enhance cognition and geroprotectors to promote healthy aging. Use code SUPERHUMAN for 50% off your first order at thrivous.com.

Comments