That's a good point! I feel it ultimately comes down to the motive of the simulator in this assumed power asymmetry - is the intention for the simulatees to work out that they're in a simulation? In that case, the reset function is probably a protective measure for them specifically e.g. if they're on the verge of self annihilation. Or maybe it's to protect them from the truth for their own sanity? Or if the simulator is malevolent, then a reset could exist if the situation is too peaceful or that the simulated find the mechanism to escape their current reality. In any case, the mechanism's presence would be expected.
The Save State Paradox: A new question for the construct of reality in a simulated world
Consider this thought experiment - in a simulated world (if we do indeed currently live in one), how could we detect an event similar to a state “reset”? Such events could be triggered for existential safety reasons or one unbeknownst to us? If this was the case, how would we become aware of such occurrences if we were reverted to a time before the execution; affecting memories, physical states and environmental continuity? Imagine if seemingly inexplicable concep...
Thank you for the clarification! That does seem plausible - it's particularly interesting to read his perspective as one involved in both Science Fiction and Academia (imaginative foresight with scientific grounding)
Epistemic Fluidity: A Mediation of What We Know and Believe
In the age of misinformation, "post-truth," and with a major election on the horizon in a certain part of the world, there's an increasing need for tools that help us apply rigorous evaluation to our mental models. This is what I call Epistemic Fluidity—a method that mediates between what we know and believe, with the flexibility to adjust these beliefs when necessary.
By being aware of how our values have been shaped—through upbringing, experience, and emotion—we can examine our core beliefs and po... (read more)