Western Philosophy & Psychology

5th Dinner – Bostrom’s Simulation Theory

Dawn

Philosopher Bostrom argues that we live in a simulated virtual reality generated by a previous civilization. Computer Scientist Rizwan Virk argues that we live in an immersive video game. When we set aside the doubts and questions of the "If" and the "How" for which Bostrom and Virk have excellent arguments, the next question is: how do we make the best out of this virtual reality called life?

The Invited Philosopher Dawn The Menu Main Course: Grilled Salmon with Caribbean salsa, basmati rice, and oven-baked asparagus. Dessert: Lime curd tart with lychee mango* Drink: Riesling Wine from Lucio's Wine Shop* *Courtesy of Dawn The Philosophy As technology advances with inventions that sounded like sci-fi only 20 years ago, such as self-driving cars, space travel for tourism, neuron computer interfaces, ultra-realistic immersive video games and simulations, and more powerful GPU computers and soon quantum computers, you will see Oxford’s Philosopher Bostrom’s Theory of our life as a simulated reality

discussed more frequently in the media. Soon the conversation will switch from “If” and “How” to “What” and “Why”. But Dawn and I, we are already there. See Bostrom’s short summary here, and read Computer Scientist Rizwan Virk’s compelling take on Bostrom’s theory. You may watch the movie The Matrix but a more obscure but equally relevant movie is ExistenZ. The Summary Bostrom considers the possibility that there will be a posthuman future in which humans have acquired the capacity to create virtual worlds that feel like the one we…

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Philosophical Literature

4th Dinner – Siddhartha

Ianca

For those of us who look for the meaning of life and wonder how enlightenment can be achieved, the book "Siddhartha" offers an opportunity to reflect on the options we have: The trial and error path of Siddhartha, or the teacher-student wisdom seeking path of Govinda, or the solitary, nature-connected experience of the Ferryman. What is your path? Is there another?

The Invited Philosopher Ianca The Menu Indian Dinner to fit the theme of the evening: Vegetable Samosas, Garlic Cilantro Naan, Lamb Korma, Chicken Vindaloo. Dessert: Key Lime Pie* Drink: 2002 Bollinger La Grande Année Brut Champagne* *Courtesy of Ianca The Philosophy Siddhartha is a novel by Herman Hesse written in a beautiful verse-like style and is what I call “Philosophical Literature”. While philosophers may not see it as philosophy, it contains some of the deepest insights into human existence, especially with regards to reflecting on what is required for a

human to reach that level of equanimity, of inner wisdom, and mental tranquility that frees him or her from the sufferings and attachments to the happenings of life. The Summary Siddhartha is the fictional story of a young man, the respected son of a Brahmin, who is dissatisfied with his life and leaves his comfortable home and family behind, with his trusted and loyal friend Govinda, to find the real meaning of life. Both embark on a spiritual journey of self-discovery during the time of the Gautam Buddha, called “Gautama”…

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