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About this quote

What does it mean?
Deutsch claims a virtual‑reality system could be built that can generate any conceivable environment.
In plain terms
A VR engine could simulate every possible setting.
What can you take from it?
Explore VR as a platform for exhaustive scenario testing.

Where it applies

  • training
  • entertainment
  • research

Putting it to work

  • designing immersive simulations
  • testing hypotheses in virtual worlds

Questions to consider

  • What ethical issues arise from simulating any environment?
  • Can we ever truly simulate 'every' possibility?

Another view

Practical limits of computing power and fidelity may restrict true universality.

More from David Deutsch

  1. Think of all our knowledge-generating processes, our whole culture and civilization, and all the thought processes in the minds of every individual, and indeed…

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  2. Since building a universal virtual-reality generator is physically possible, it must actually be built in some universes. (Ch. 6)

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. Reality contains not only evidence, but also the means (such as our minds, and our artefacts) of understanding it. There are mathematical symbols in physical r…

    Permalink to quote #6

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